better door than a window

9.9

A joking remark to someone who stands in the way and blocks the view

idiom

Informal

: mejor puerta que ventana

Could you please move? You make a better door than a window.

Examples

I had to laugh when my friend said I was a better door than a window while blocking the TV.
You're a better door than a window when you stand there!
Whenever he stands in the middle of the room, someone remarks that he makes a better door than a window.
Could you move? You're a better door than a window right now.
Could you please move? You make a better door than a window.
I had to laugh when my friend said I was a better door than a window while blocking the TV.
Whenever he stands in the middle of the room, someone remarks that he makes a better door than a window.

Synonyms

to obstruct

vsbetter door than a window

119 5.1

To block a path or view

is a humorous informal remark said to someone who blocks a view

in someone's way

vsbetter door than a window

18 3.2

Keeping someone from doing something by blocking them or causing problems

is a humorous direct comment aimed at someone who blocks sight

to block up

vsbetter door than a window

4 3.8

To stop movement through a road, pipe, or path

is a playful remark aimed at a person standing in front hiding others' view

to stand in someone's way

vsbetter door than a window

1 3.4

Stop someone from reaching their goal

is a joking spoken comment to someone who blocks another person's view

Surface Forms

better door than a window main

Morphology

better + door + than + a + window

The sense is directly built from the literal meanings: a 'door' blocks view while a 'window' lets you see through, so saying someone is 'more a door than a window' playfully asserts they are obstructing the view. This comparative, metaphorical use follows a transparent compositional logic and is likely inferable by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words and basic comparatives.

Etymology

Better door than a window is a joking comparison to a door and a window: a window lets you see, but a door can stand in the way. That's why it is used to tell someone they are 'blocking the view' or 'standing in the way'.