early doors

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English

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Etymology

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According to some, the phrase originated at a time when English pubs closed in the afternoon as a term for customers who were waiting or arrived soon after the pub re-opened in the evening. Alternatively, the phrase is said to originate in the theatre world, where it described a facility available to early-arriving members of the audience, who were allowed to avoid the crush and choose the best seats in return for paying a small premium.[1]

Adverb

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early doors (not comparable)

  1. (Northern England, Scotland) Early; at a time before expected; sooner than usual.
    Mudchester Rovers conceded two goals early doors and never got back into the game.

Adjective

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early doors (not comparable)

  1. (Northern England) Early, near the start or beginning.
    The party was very dull, so I made an early doors exit.

Noun

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early doors pl (plural only)

  1. (Cockney rhyming slang) Women's drawers.

References

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