"Closing the door on" is a phrase that refers to ending or eliminating an opportunity or possibility. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down into its individual phonemes, with the IPA transcription being /ˈkloʊzɪŋ ði ˈdɔr ɑn/. This translates to "kloh-zing thee dawr awn." The "o" sound in "closing" is elongated, while the "ng" sound at the end is nasal. The "th" sound in "the" is voiced, and the "r" sound at the end of "door" is pronounced with a slight roll of the tongue.
Closing the door on means to eliminate or exclude the possibility of something happening or being achieved. This idiomatic expression is often used to depict the act of deliberately preventing or ruling out a certain outcome or opportunity. The phrase conveys the idea of firmly shutting a door, thus making it inaccessible or off-limits.
In metaphorical terms, closing the door on carries a sense of finality or conclusion, often suggesting that a particular option or course of action is no longer available or viable. It implies making a decision or taking action that definitively ends or rejects a certain prospect. By closing the door on something, one is effectively isolating it from consideration or acceptance.
For example, if someone has experienced a disappointing or hurtful relationship, they might decide to close the door on future romantic engagements, indicating their decision to no longer pursue or open themselves up to such relationships. Similarly, a company might decide to close the door on a particular product line if it consistently underperforms, indicating their intention to discontinue producing or investing in that specific product.
In summary, closing the door on signifies the deliberate act of eliminating or excluding a possibility or opportunity, often indicating a final decision or definitive rejection. It portrays the concept of sealing off a pathway, making it unattainable or unfeasible.