English Reference
Idiom idiom

make a better door than a window


To obstruct someone's view, especially as a result of thoughtlessness.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Please move, you make a better door than a window.

CONTEXTUAL

I cannot see the television because you are standing right in front of it; you make a better door than a window.

COMPLEX

The tall man stood directly in front of the painting, prompting a frustrated visitor to remark that he made a better door than a window.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure

    Precaution and prevention of an undesirable thing is preferable to dealing with its potential consequences.

  3. 03

    bang down the door

    To present oneself as a strong candidate for a role or achievement, explicitly or implicitly.

  4. 04

    better angels

    Morally upright or otherwise positive attributes of human character.

  5. 05

    better for it

    In a more favorable position on the whole due to something, despite possible drawbacks.

  6. 06

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  7. 07

    better nature

    the more amiable qualities of someone

  8. 08

    better place

    Heaven; happiness after death.

Last updated August 10, 2026