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.^[1]

Adverb

early doors (not comparable)

1. (Northern England, Scotland) Early; at a time before expected; sooner than usual.

   Mudchester Rovers conceded two goals early doors and never got back into the game.

Adjective

early doors (not comparable)

1. (Northern England) Early, near the start or beginning.

   The party was very dull, so I made an early doors exit.

Noun

early doors pl (plural only)

1. (Cockney rhyming slang) Women's drawers.

References

1. http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-ear1.htm