The phrase "showed the door" is spelled /ʃoʊd ðə dɔr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "sh" sound is represented by the digraph "sh" and pronounced as /ʃ/. The "ow" sound is represented by the vowel digraph "ow" and pronounced as /oʊ/. The "d" sound is represented by the letter "d" and pronounced as /d/. The "th" sound is represented by the digraph "th" and pronounced as /ð/. The unstressed "ə" sound is represented by the schwa symbol /ə/. Lastly, the "r" sound is represented by the letter "r" and pronounced as /r/.
"Showed the door" is an idiomatic expression primarily used in informal contexts to describe the action of dismissing, terminating, or removing someone from a particular situation, place, or job. It suggests ending a relationship or association with someone and unceremoniously expelling or excluding them. The phrase typically implies a negative or unwelcome departure, often due to non-compliance, poor performance, or incompatible behavior.
When someone is "shown the door," they are being figuratively pointed towards the exit as a clear indication that they are no longer welcome, tolerated, or desired in a particular setting. The term emphasizes a sense of finality and firmness in the separation, indicating that the person is being definitively and decisively removed or expelled. The act of being "shown the door" often involves being asked to leave immediately or with minimal notice, and may be accompanied by a sense of embarrassment, disappointment, or rejection for the individual being dismissed.
The origin of the phrase "showed the door" can be traced back to the act of physically guiding someone out through a door as a gesture of dismissal or expulsion in various settings. Even though it is now used metaphorically, the expression still retains the idea of a forceful and abrupt removal or exclusion. Overall, "showed the door" is a colloquial expression that vividly illustrates the act of terminating or removing someone from a particular situation or environment, typically in an unceremonious manner.