Definition

Verb (transitive, idiomatic) To ask or force someone to leave a place; to dismiss or eject someone, often abruptly or because they are unwanted.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe the act of telling someone they must depart, typically from a private property, business, or social gathering. It implies a definitive end to their presence or participation. It is often used in contexts where the person being asked to leave has done something to warrant dismissal, such as behaving poorly or overstaying their welcome.

Examples

• The manager showed the door to the disruptive customer.
• After his offensive comments, he was quickly shown the door.
• If you can't follow the house rules, I'll have to show you the door.

Advanced Usage

• Passive Construction: The passive form ("was shown the door") is very common and emphasizes the experience of the person being ejected.
  • He was shown the door after arguing with the host.
• Figurative Use: It can be used in non-literal contexts to mean forcing someone out of a job, position, or group.
  • The board of directors finally showed the door to the underperforming CEO.

Variants and Related Words

• Show someone out: A more polite or neutral phrase for escorting someone to the exit.
• Give someone the boot (idiom): A more informal synonym meaning to fire or eject someone.
• Eject: A more formal, single-word verb with a similar meaning.
• Oust: To force someone out of a position of power or a place.

Synonyms

• Ask to leave
• Dismiss
• Eject
• Expel
• Usher out

Antonyms

• Welcome
• Invite in
• Receive

Related Idioms

• Show someone the way out: A slightly more polite or guiding version of the same action.
  • Security showed the protesters the way out.

Verb

1. ask to leave
   • I was shown the door when I asked for a raise