left at the door

USAGE SUMMARY

"left at the door" is a correct phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an object being placed somewhere, especially at a place of entry (e.g. a door). For example, "We left the package at the door for the delivery driver to pick up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Weapons left at the door please.

The Guardian

The obligatory hijabs were left at the door.

The Guardian - Travel

Egos have to be left at the door.

The New York Times - Arts

Dress code Top hats left at the door.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But when they're not looking, the truth has a way of being left at the door.

The New York Times - Books

There is no mockery and judgement is left at the door.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

That seems hard to leave at the door.

The New York Times - Magazine

He leaves at the door to the operating theatre, and I stroll on in.

The Guardian - Books

Your boss has their own private lives to leave at the door, so do you.

WikiHow

Attitudes and egos are left at the front door.

The Guardian - Sport

"For me, it's important that that sort of stuff gets left at the front door".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "left at the door" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being abandoned or disregarded, such as "Egos should be left at the door before a negotiation."

Common error

Avoid using "left at the door" in contexts where a literal leaving of something is impossible or nonsensical. Ensure the subject being left can realistically be separated from the situation or person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left at the door" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the location where something is placed or, metaphorically, the location where something should be abandoned. Ludwig examples show both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Travel

8%

Arts

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "left at the door" is a common prepositional phrase used both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse sources. Literally, it denotes the physical location of an object. Figuratively, it advises setting aside certain attributes before proceeding. While versatile, ensure the intended context—literal or figurative—is clear to avoid ambiguity. Top authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. Remember that when using "left at the door" metaphorically, you need to clearly signal which elements are to be abandoned or disregarded.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Left at the entryway

Replaces "door" with a synonym for a building's access point.

Placed at the entrance

Focuses on the action of putting something at the door.

Deposited at the threshold

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe something being placed at the entrance.

Delivered to the doorstep

Specifically indicates a delivery to the area just outside the door.

Abandoned at the entrance

Emphasizes the act of being forsaken at a point of entry.

Left near the entrance

Broadens the location to the area around the entrance.

Discarded at the portal

Implies something unwanted being left at an opening.

Relinquished at the doorway

Suggests a formal or reluctant abandonment.

Forgotten by the door

Suggests unintentional neglect rather than a deliberate act.

Left outside

Simplifies the phrase to indicate placement outside.

FAQs

How can I use "left at the door" in a sentence?

You can use "left at the door" to describe items literally placed near a doorway, such as "The package was "left at the door"". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "All prejudices should be "left at the door" before entering a discussion".

What does it mean to say something should be "left at the door"?

When someone says something should be ""left at the door"", they usually mean it should be abandoned or set aside before proceeding, especially negative attitudes or irrelevant concerns. It implies creating a more open and receptive environment.

What are some synonyms for ""left at the door"" when describing physical objects?

Alternatives include "placed at the entrance", "delivered to the doorstep", or "deposited at the threshold", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I avoid misusing the phrase ""left at the door""?

Ensure that the context makes sense both literally and metaphorically. If you're using it metaphorically, make sure it's clear what intangible thing is being abandoned. If describing a physical object, ensure the object is capable of being placed at a doorway.