There are more parts to a building than just the walls. Here are some more commonly used English idioms about buildings or parts of a building.
13 English Idioms about Buildings
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English Idioms about Buildings
IN THE BACK DOOR
this is often used to describe how someone might get a job or an appointment or an interview that other people might find difficult to achieve.
Example: I have wanted to get a jobΒ working for that newspaper for such a long time. Finally I got an interview through the back door.Β My uncle is best friends with the new CEO.
TO OPEN DOORS FOR YOU
to provide new opportunities for someone
Example: My friend was so well known that he could literally call anyone in theΒ football club and get me interviews with all the stars. He was able to open so many doors for me. IΒ was really impressed.
AN OPEN DOOR POLICY
a business term usually used to signify that a manager/boss is always willing to meet a member of staff to discuss work issues.
Example: If you have any suggestions on how to improve our processes, my door is always open.
THROUGH THE CEILINGΒ
or
THROUGH THE ROOF
often related to prices, prices increase quickly due to inflation, profits and other financial issues
Example: The prices of petrol has risen very quickly this year, it has gone through the ceiling.
English Idioms about Buildings
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THROUGH THE FLOOR
this is again in relation to prices, prices fall down, decrease quickly due to economic downturn, recession
Example: The market has weakened no one wants to buy these cars now the prices have gone through the floor (fallen quickly).
TO HIT THE CEILING/ROOF
to become angry suddenly
Example: He was really angry and got very annoyed when I told him I had crashed the new company car. He hit the ceiling (or hit the roof) when I told him!!
TO HAVE THE FLOOR
In a debate or in a discussion when someone is allowed to address the audience or answer questions he is said to βhave the floorβ, i.e. control the meeting at that time.
Example: Company CEO had the floor for questions and comments.
THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL
When the result can be predicted or the outcome is known in advance.
Example: When he failed to achieve his targets for the third month in a row, the writing was on the wall. He was surely going to get fired!
English Idioms about Buildings
TO TAKE THE FLOOR
to stand up and address an audience
Example: He took the floor and made a proposal, and it was a success.
FROM DOOR TO DOOR
going to all houses on the street
Example: There are some school kids going from door to door collecting money.
FROM PILLAR TO POST
from one place to another with no planning or purpose
Example: Sarah’s stepbrother Jack moved from pillar to post during his teens.
WINDOW SHOPPING
someone only looks at the goods in the shop windows, they don’t go inside or buy
Example: When I was in New York, I went window shopping on Fifth Avenue.
WINDOW DRESSING
something that makes something or somebody look better than it really is
Example: A new eye-catching ad for fizzy drinks involves a lot of window dressing.
More Information
You’d love reading these! For more information on English everyday vocabulary, English idioms and English phrasal verbs, check out the following links:
English Phrasal Verbs with Look
Idioms related to Happiness and Sadness
Making Suggestions in English β How aboutβ¦?
Different explanation on English idioms about buildings can be found here
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