early doors

== English == === Etymology === 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. === Adverb === early doors (not comparable) (Northern England, Scotland) Early; at a time before expected; sooner than usual. === Adjective === early doors (not comparable) (Northern England) Early, near the start or beginning. === Noun === early doors pl (plural only) (Cockney rhyming slang) Women's drawers. === References ===