window

crack the door (open) and crack the window (open)

to open the door or window a very small amount. I cracked open the door to peek out. Just crack the window a bit to let some air inside.

See also: crack, door

go window-shopping

to go about looking at goods in store windows without actually buying anything. The office workers go window-shopping on their lunch hour, looking for things to buy when they get paid. Joan said she was just going window-shopping, but she bought a new coat.

out (of) the window

Fig. gone; wasted. All that work gone out the window because my computer crashed. My forty dollars—out the window! Why didn't I save my money?

See also: out

When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window. and When the wolf comes in at the door, love creeps out of the window.

Prov. If a couple gets married because they are in love, but they do not have enough money, they will stop loving each other when the money runs out. You young folks may think you can live on love alone, but when poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window. After Susan lost her job, she and her unemployed husband had a big argument. When the wolf comes in at the door, love creeps out of the window.

See also: come, flies, love, out, poverty

window of opportunity

Fig. a brief time period in which an opportunity exists. This afternoon, I had a brief window of opportunity when I could discuss this with the boss, but she wasn't receptive.

See also: opportunity

You make a better door than you do a window.

Rur. I cannot see through you, so move aside. Joe was just standing in front of the TV. "Hey," I said, "You make a better door than you do a window." Charlie: Isn't this a great view? Jane: You make a better door than you do a window. Let me see.

See also: better, door, make

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go out (of) the window

if a quality, principle, or idea goes out of the window, it does not exist any more Then people start drinking and sense goes out of the window.

See also: out

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out the window

gone, wasted, or no longer in existence It is as if everyone's good judgment has flown out the window. If we quit now, we might as well just toss three months' work out the window.

See also: out