The Meaning of “When One Door Closes Another Opens”

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Learn all about this motivational phrase and how to use it

Co-authored by Annabelle Reyes Reviewed by Seth Hall

Last Updated: December 18, 2024 Fact Checked

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Definition

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Origins

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When to Say This Phrase

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Identifying “Open Doors”

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Similar Phrases

You may have heard the phrase “when one door closes, another door opens,” but what does it mean, and what’s the right way to use it? If you’re looking for the answers to these questions, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll go over the definition of this phrase, when to use it, and how to find the “open doors” in your own life. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

What does “one door closes another opens” mean?

“When one door closes, another door opens” means that loss or failure can actually lead to new opportunities. In other words, when you fail at one thing, you’ll soon have a chance to succeed at something else. People say this phrase to comfort someone and encourage them to not give up after they experience a setback.

Section 1 of 5:

“When One Door Closes Another Opens” Definition

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This phrase means that loss or failure can lead to new opportunities. For example, if you lose your job, you’ll have the chance to apply for a different one, and it may even be better than the one you had before. People usually use this phrase to comfort themselves after they experience a setback, or to encourage others when they’re in tough situations.^{[1]
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- “I was sad when I didn’t get into my dream college, but maybe another school will be a better fit for me. When one door closes, another one opens.”
- “I know you’re upset about the break-up, but when one door closes, another opens. I know your perfect match is out there somewhere.”

Section 2 of 5:

Where did the phrase come from?

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The phrase comes from a quote by Alexander Graham Bell. Bell (1847-1922) is famous for being the inventor of the telephone.^{[2]
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Research source} The full quote reads: “When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
- The longer quote adds another layer of meaning to the phrase. It suggests that, when we’re too focused on the thing we lost (the closed door), we might not notice a new opportunity that comes up.
- The message seems to be that it’s important to let go and move on after a setback, so that you’re ready when exciting new opportunities come your way.

Section 3 of 5:

When to Say This Phrase

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To encourage someone after they experience a loss or failure If a friend or family member loses their job, goes through a break-up, or experiences some other type of setback, try saying “when one door closes, another one opens” to comfort them and encourage them to keep going. Here are some examples:
- “I’m so sorry you didn’t get the promotion—you really deserved it. But when one door closes, another opens. This could be the perfect time for you to look around and see what other jobs are out there.”
- “I'm really sorry about the break-up. You’re such an incredible person, and I know there’s someone out there who’s going to love you for you. When one door closes, another door opens.”
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To remind yourself that setbacks can lead to new opportunities If you experience a disappointing situation, the phrase can be a helpful reminder that it’s not the end of the world, and that new opportunities could be right around the corner. For example:
- “I’m pretty bummed that I didn’t get that job I applied for, but I know there’s something out there that’s an even better fit for me. When one door closes, another door opens.”
- “I had my heart set on the lead role in the play, but I actually think the role I got is a more interesting character, and it will give me a chance to show off my acting skills. When one door closes, another opens. ”

Section 4 of 5:

How to Identify the Open Doors in Your Life

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Focus on the future, and work on letting go of the past. If you’re stuck ruminating on the doors that have closed for you, it’s easy to miss new opportunities. However, once you let go of the setbacks and failures of the past, you can direct your energy to the exciting things ahead. And, when you’re facing forward instead of looking back, you’re much more likely to see any doors that might open around you.^{[3]
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Research source} Here are some tips:
- Remind yourself this isn’t the end of the story. This disappointing experience is just one chapter of your life, and it will pass. Try to be patient, and remind yourself that new opportunities will arise eventually.^{[4]
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- Practice gratitude for what you do have. Gratitude is a powerful force that can help you let go of your disappointment over the things you’ve lost, which in turn helps you turn your gaze to the future. There are lots of ways to do this, but making a gratitude list or keeping a gratitude journal are good places to start.^{[5]
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- Be kind to yourself. If you’re beating yourself up about your mistakes, you’re still stuck in the past. Instead, try to practice self-compassion and forgive yourself for any missteps.
- Remind yourself of all your positive qualities. This will help you feel confident and ready to succeed, and when you're in this mindset, you're more likely to recognize open doors and new opportunities as they arise.^{[6]
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Section 5 of 5:

Similar Phrases

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Every cloud has a silver lining This phrase means that there’s an upside to every disappointing situation.^{[7]
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Research source} For example, if you’re going through a tough break-up, the silver lining could be that now you’re free to focus on improving yourself and figuring out what you want in a future partner. Here are a few more examples:
- “It’s a bummer that I didn’t get the job, but every cloud has a silver lining. They didn’t offer great benefits, and now I have time to look for a different job that does.”
- “I’m sad that she doesn’t want to be friends anymore, but I’m also a little relieved. We were fighting a lot, so I think this will be better for my mental health. Every cloud has a silver lining.”
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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade People use this phrase to encourage others to stay positive and make the best out of tough situations. It’s basically a synonym for “every cloud has a silver lining.”^{[8]
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- “It was disappointing to get rejected from the college I wanted to go to, but it gave me the chance to explore other options, and I found a school with better financial aid. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”
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There are plenty of fish in the sea This phrase has a similar meaning to “when one door closes, another door opens,” but it’s mainly used in a romantic context. People say it to remind others that there are lots of potential matches out there if they’re sad about a break-up.^{[9]
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- “I’m so sorry about the break-up, but he didn't appreciate you enough. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and I know you’ll find someone who understands how amazing you are.”