barn door
The term "barn door" has various meanings across different contexts, from literal doors on farms to figurative uses in sports and photography.
Definition
B1Architecture
(general)A large door on a barn, usually wide and tall, used for entry and exit of livestock, machinery, or hay.
Example
- He opened the barn door to let the cows out for grazing.
B2Photography
(technical)Adjustable flaps attached to a light source to control the direction and shape of the light beam.
Example
- The photographer adjusted the barn doors to focus the light on the subject.
B2Sports
(informal)A term used to describe a very large target, often implying an easy opportunity to score.
Example
- He missed the goal by a mile, even though it was like shooting at a barn door.
C1Idiomatic
(informal)Refers to taking action too late, after the damage has already been done.
Example
- Installing the security system now is like closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "barn door":
carriage doorsliding doorgarage doorfire doordouble doorsstorm doorback doorbutterfly doorfront dooropen doorpole buildingbarn danceon the doorbarn dancingshut the door