as one door closes, another opens
Meaning(s)
1. when one opportunity is lost, another may present itself
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
often when one door closes, another opens, so stay focused
Analysis
This expression is often used as a means of consolation, when someone has experienced a disappointing outcome or a rejection, or things just didn't turn out the way they had expected. when you say 'when one door closes another door opens' it means although one opportunity or avenue is no longer viable another one will come along. By suggesting that another door opens, you are promising someone that another opportunity to achieve your goal or to be happy again will present itself. A religious version of this expression is, 'When God closes a door, he opens a window'.
Social Examples (Advance)
- Don't worry about missing out on that job. Often when one door closes, another opens. There are plenty more opportunities out there for you.
- I'm sorry your relationship didn't work out, but I often find when one door closes another one opens.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- I was so disappointed that I didn't manage to secure that contract for the firm, but sometimes as one door closes, another opens, so I need to stay focused rather than waste any time sulking.
- Although the company I met during the conference weren't interested in the software they introduced me to a client of theirs who is looking to buy. One door closes and another one opens!