The phrase "shuts the door on" is spelled using standard English orthography, with each word pronounced as /ʃʌts ðə dɔr ɒn/. The consonant cluster "sh" in "shuts" represents the voiceless postalveolar fricative sound /ʃ/, while the vowel in both "shuts" and "door" is pronounced as the lax mid-back rounded vowel /ʌ/. The word "on" is pronounced with the unstressed schwa sound /ə/ and a voiced alveolar nasal /n/ consonant. In writing, it is important to pay attention to proper spelling and pronunciation to communicate effectively in English.
"Shuts the door on" is a figurative expression that refers to closing or blocking off possibilities or opportunities for something or someone. It often implies the finality of a decision or action that ends all chances or options for a particular outcome.
This idiom draws its meaning from the literal act of closing a door, which is seen as a definitive action that prevents anyone or anything from getting in or out. In a figurative sense, when one "shuts the door on" something, it signifies putting an end to any further progress, opportunity, or consideration related to that particular matter.
The phrase generally suggests a decisive and irrevocable action that eliminates any potential chances or options. It conveys a sense of finality and conclusiveness, implying that no further changes or developments can occur in relation to the subject in question.
For example, a company going bankrupt and closing its operations could be said to "shut the door on" any future expansions or ventures. Similarly, a person rejecting a job offer might be said to have "shut the door on" that career opportunity.
Overall, the phrase "shuts the door on" signifies the termination of possibilities or opportunities, conveying the idea that a point of no return has been reached and there is no chance for reversal or further exploration of that particular avenue.