early doors
English
Etymology
When English pubs closed in the afternoon, customers who were waiting or arrived soon after the pub re-opened in the evening were known as 'early doors'.
This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.
Adjective
early doors (not comparable)
- (Northern England) Early, near the start or beginning
Adverb
early doors (not comparable)
- (Northern England) Early; at a time before expected; sooner than usual.
Noun
early doors pl (plural only)
- (Cockney rhyming slang) women's drawers.