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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Back door

Hello,

I have a question concerning one sentence: "They entered New York by the back door."

What is New York's back door? Is it a place that is called "back door" specifically in New York, or is it rather a general term that is used in shipping transport?

Thank you very much for replies.
  

Top answer

Without more context, I'd say it suggests something illegal. It's a common expression for doing something in a way that will not attract attention. Also, in the old days, the "help" was not allowed to use the front entrance of swanky establishments.

— Avangi

  • Without more context, I'd say it suggests something illegal.
  • It's a common expression for doing something in a way that will not attract attention.
  • Also, in the old days, the "help" was not allowed to use the front entrance of swanky establishments.
  • So, rather than something illegal, it could mean that they didn't come first class.
  • Are "they" people, or merchandise?
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1 Answers
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Without more context, I'd say it suggests something illegal. It's a common expression for doing something in a way that will not attract attention.

Also, in the old days, the "help" was not allowed to use the front entrance of swanky establishments. So, rather than something illegal, it could mean that they didn't come first class.

Are "they" people, or merchandise?

S
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