IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishbe a doormat
Meaning: To let others treat one badly without protest.
Example: “Stop being a doormat and tell them you won't work weekends.”
Origin: A doormat is something people wipe their feet on. The figurative use is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Se laisser tondre la laine sur le dos Literally: To let oneself be shorn of the wool on one's back
More English idioms
- separate the wheat from the chaff To distinguish what is valuable from what is worthless.
- elbow grease Hard physical work, especially scrubbing or polishing.
- have a heavy heart To feel sad or burdened.
- in one's heart of hearts In one's deepest private feelings.
- promise the moon To promise something impossible to deliver.
- Indian summer A period of warm weather in autumn; also a late, happy period in life.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- És uma joia You're a gem — a precious, lovely person.
- Sei un salame You're a clumsy, dopey softie — said with a smile.
- Eres más corto que las mangas de un chaleco You're not the sharpest — a bit slow on the uptake.
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