The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท Y

You make a better door than a window

Meaning

A polite way to tell someone they are blocking your view of the television or a stage. It reminds the person to move out of the line of sight.

Witty, polite

Used in a sentence

  • I cannot see the play through your back so you make a better door than a window.
  • Hey, could you move over? You make a better door than a window.
  • Sorry to bother you but you make a better door than a window.

The backstory

This is a witty piece of dad-speak designed to address an annoyance without being truly rude. It plays on the idea that a window is meant to be looked through, whereas a door is an obstacle.

Heard in

Midwest

Vibe check