next door to

1. Very close to, as in The old dog was next door to death. This metaphoric expression, alluding to an adjacent house, was first recorded in 1529.

Example Sentences

When you walk through a crowd of strangers it’s next door to impossible not to imagine that they’re all waxworks, but probably they’re thinking just the same about you.

From Salon

"This Irish family we lived next door to, the McEvoys, were all big United fans so we watched all their games together," Bloom told BBC Sport.

From BBC

A forensic team is conducting examinations around a house next door to the scene of a murder in Newcastle, County Down.

From BBC

Officials have said the suspect walked into the pub, which he frequented and lived next door to, and opened fire almost immediately.

From BBC

It’s unclear if they still live next door to Starr and Didden.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adjoining 
• neighboring