Jul 9, 2018 · Though not exactly a verb, the adjective/adverb ajar was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw your post: If a door, window or other opening is ajar, it is slightly open. For example: We left the door ajar so that we could hear what they were saying.

Feb 1, 2016 · Yes, the meaning of crack may refers to the narrow space of a door left ajar, but as suggested, through the doorway may be a better choice: A slight narrow space, a fissure. The window was open a crack.

May 5, 2024 · A door which is open a crack allows sound and some air to pass, but is too narrow for a person. There is a word "ajar" that means "slightly open", and is used almost exclusively to describe doors. Leave the door ajar, so air can circulate.

Jun 2, 2016 · When I am at the doctor, or the chiropractor, and they ask me to strip down to my skivvies and put on the backless gown, they always say “crack the door when you’re ready”. They never say to put the door ajar. More common is “leave the door ajar”, but that definitely connotes not quite shutting it, rather than opening it a bit.

Jan 9, 2022 · For a formal conversation, you could say the door is ajar. For a casual conversation, you could say the door was cracked open (a bit). Both basically mean the door was open a little bit.

Mar 18, 2025 · "The door is cracked" This is unidiomatic to describe the degree of opening; it means that there is a split in the wood or whatever material the door is made of. "The door is open a crack" "The door is ajar" , but it's unspecific: it doesn't necessarily mean half open.

Oct 5, 2019 · crack the door OED definition and an example use: definition: trans and intrans. Of a door: to be slightly ajar; to leave slightly ajar. Cf. crack n. 7d. Chiefly U.S. Here is another figurative use:

Dec 29, 2020 · You can say “crack the window” or “crack open the window” - which means to open it just a little bit, or “just a crack.” It’s not a verb, but if a door or window is only partially open it can be described with an adjective called “ajar”.

Aug 11, 2016 · Yes, it's correct. There are many alternatives, such as "Please don't close the door completely," "Please don't close the door all the way," or "Please leave the door open a crack."

ajar|"cracked" is another option.|I would say “cracked”|Ajar I once used the word “cracked” (“Please leave the door cracked open.”) but the person didn’t know what I was talking about 😉. |@newenglandgenie I’m not surprised;) It’s possible that it’s used more in the South and Midwest|@bcathy There are so many regional ...