The saying "as one door closes, another one opens" provides hope and uplifts spirits during tough times. It means that when one thing or phase ends, it's not the end of all opportunities. Instead, fresh ones often follow. The phrase encourages us to look forward and not get stuck in the past, reminding us that more good things could be waiting for us soon.

In short:

• "As one door closes, another one opens" refers to the emergence of new opportunities after the conclusion of other circumstances.
• It implies a positive attitude, encouraging people to look forward to new possibilities rather than dwell on past setbacks.

What Does "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens" Mean?

The phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" is all about finding hope and possibilities in change or disappointment. If one "door" or opportunity has closed or become unavailable, the phrase suggests that another will soon become available. It serves as a reminder to always look for the silver lining, to anticipate the next opportunity, and not be consumed by past failures or closed opportunities.

Let's delve into its key meanings and usage:

• "As one door closes, another one opens" is an idiom used to express the idea that an end or a setback is often followed by a new beginning or opportunity.
• It can be used as a form of encouragement or consolation when someone experiences disappointment or loss. For example, if someone did not get the job they wanted, you might use this phrase to suggest that another, perhaps better, opportunity will come their way.
• You can use this phrase in situations that involve change and transition to signify that these periods can lead to new and possibly better possibilities.
• Similar phrases to "as one door closes, another one opens" include "when one door shuts, another opens" and "every end is a new beginning."

Where Does "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens" Come From?

The phrase "when one door closes, another opens" is attributed to Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone. However, the earliest citation found for this phrase is from Fernando De Rojas (c. 1465-1538) in La Celestina Act XV, “When one door closes, fortune will usually open another.” The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs gives the source as Lazarillo de Tormes, an anonymous Spanish novella published in 1554.

Historical Example

"It is an old saying that. 'As one door closes another one opens.' One door is certainly closing to us somewhat, though it will probably never quite close."

- Veterinary Journal, Volume 66, 1910

10 Examples of "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens" in Sentences

To help illustrate how this idiom is used in everyday language, let's look at some examples from various scenarios:

• When she lost her job, she saw it as an opportunity to start her own business, truly believing that as one door closes, another one opens.
• Take your time to heal from this breakup. As one door closes, another one opens.
• As one door closes, another one opens, he thought, taking the rejection letter as a chance to apply for a better opportunity.
• While searching for a new job, I understood that as one door closes, another one opens.
• After missing the last bus home, she met an old friend at the bus stop, proving that as one door closes, another one opens.
• So it goes, as one door closes, another one opens, always offering us another chance.
• Their original plan fell apart, but as one door closed, another one opened, and they found an even more exciting project to work on.
• Just keep on keeping on, my friend. Remember that as one door closes, another one opens.
• Maybe it was meant to be this way. As one door closes, another one opens.
• Life often shows us that as one door closes, another one opens, guiding us to different paths.

Examples of "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens" in Pop Culture

The phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" is a common motif in popular culture, usually used to denote the persistence of opportunities and hope amidst setbacks and disappointments.

Let's look at a few examples:

• The song "Take What You Take" by Lily Allen includes the lyrics, "A picture paints a thousand words, As one door closes, another one opens..."
• In the musical "Wicked," a line says, "I know how devastated you were the other day for our poor Doctor Dillamond, but I can assure you, my dear, as one door closes, another one opens."
• The phrase is used in the book "Love by Deception: A Harrowing True Story of Love and Betrayal" by K.C. Barnard. The exact quote is: "As one door closes, another one opens. Life is full of twists and turns..."
• The phrase is also mentioned in a book titled "Freedom" by Tracey Amanda Lingwood, Matthew Conroy-Hood, and Gemma Cavill. The context is: "Take a mystery tour through the doors of love, loss, joy, and hope to name but a few...as they say, as one door closes, another one opens."
• The phrase is used in an article titled "The Accompanist" by Nick Tayag on Business Mirror. The quote is: "As one door closes, another one opens. She gave piano lessons for a while and then found new joy in being an accompanist."

Other/Different Ways to Say "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens"

There are several other sayings and phrases that convey a similar sentiment to "as one door closes, another one opens."

Here are a few of them:

• Every end is a new beginning
• When one door shuts, another opens
• Out of difficulties grow miracles
• Every exit is an entry somewhere else
• One man's loss is another man's gain
• What appears to be the end may really be a new start
• There's always something good coming
• When God closes a door, He opens a window
• Failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of success
• Every cloud has a silver lining

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens":

• What does "as one door closes, another one opens" mean?

The phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" suggests that when one opportunity or situation ends, a new one will soon begin. It's often used to express optimism in the face of disappointment.

• How can I use "as one door closes, another one opens" in a sentence?

You can use this phrase to show optimism in a challenging situation. For example, "I've learned the hard way that as one door closes, another one opens, and opportunities never cease."

• Who coined the phrase "as one door closes, another one opens"?

This saying is often attributed to Alexander Graham Bell, a famous inventor, who had a slightly longer version of this phrase: "When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."

• Is the phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" always about opportunities?

While this phrase often refers to opportunities, it can also be used more broadly to signify any kind of change or transition in life. The "opening door" is generally something positive or hopeful, following a disappointment or loss represented by the "closing door".

• Can this phrase be used to comfort someone?

Yes, it's often used to comfort or encourage someone who has experienced a setback or disappointment, reminding them that new opportunities or experiences may be on the horizon.

• Is the phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" used globally?

While the exact phrasing may not be used globally, the sentiment behind the phrase is universal. Many cultures have similar sayings that express the idea that when one opportunity ends, another begins.

• Is the phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" associated with any particular belief systems or philosophies?

This phrase is often associated with a belief in fate or destiny, as well as the idea that challenges and setbacks can lead to new opportunities. It can also be related to philosophies that emphasize optimism and resilience.

• Does the phrase "as one door closes, another one opens" apply only to significant life events?

No, it can be applied to a range of situations, from minor daily occurrences to major life events. It basically signifies a transition from one situation to another, irrespective of the magnitude.

• Can this phrase be considered motivational?

Yes, "as one door closes, another one opens" is often used as a motivational phrase to inspire resilience and hope in the face of disappointment or change.

• Can this phrase be used in a professional context?

Yes, it can be used in a professional context to indicate that one opportunity, project, or career path has ended and another has begun or will soon begin.

Final Thoughts About "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens"

"As one door closes, another one opens" is an idiom that's widely used to convey hope and optimism, especially during times of change or disappointment. This phrase reminds us that there are often new opportunities or possibilities waiting for us, even if we've just experienced a setback or loss.

Here's a quick recap:

• This phrase emphasizes resilience and optimism.
• It is used in various situations, from personal disappointments to professional transitions, to inspire hope for new beginnings.
• It implies that even if we face challenges or setbacks, there's always a chance for something new and potentially better to come our way.

This saying serves as a reminder to remain hopeful, resilient, and open to new possibilities that may arise from these moments.