# open-door policy

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/open-door-policy
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A policy or usual practice, by a person in authority, of permitting subordinates or constituents to visit his or her office unannounced and at any reasonable time for the purpose of discussing matters of concern.

## Examples

- My manager has an open-door policy for all staff.
- Because the director maintains an open-door policy, employees feel comfortable walking into her office to share new ideas.
- The department head established an open-door policy to foster transparency, ensuring that any team member could voice concerns without the need for a formal appointment.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.