doormat

Everyday

1. A thick mat by a door where people wipe the mud off their shoes before they go in. tree →
2. (informal) A person who lets others treat them badly and never stands up for themselves. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and manners: wipe your feet on the doormat before entering a home. Some people keep a spare key under the doormat, which is not safe because burglars look there. In lessons about feelings and friendship, «don't be a doormat» means stand up for yourself kindly. Phrases: «wipe your feet on the doormat», «a welcome mat».

Examples

• Please wipe your feet on the doormat. tree →
• The doormat says «Welcome». tree →
• The dog likes to sleep on the doormat. tree →
• A parcel was left on the doormat. tree →
• Hiding a key under the doormat is not safe. tree →
• Don't let people treat you like a doormat. tree →

Note

Countable: doormats. One word. The second meaning is informal and a bit unkind; use it carefully.