- 敲门砖 qiāoménzhuān stepping stone to successA brick used to knock on a door; metaphorically refers to a tool or means used to gain fame, wealth, or to achieve a specific goal.
- 不做亏心事，不怕鬼敲门 bùzuòkuīxīnshìbùpàguǐqiāomén to have a clear conscienceA proverb meaning that if one does not do anything wrong, they have no reason to fear being caught or punished.
- 平生不做亏心事，半夜敲门心不惊 píngshēngbùzuòkuīxīnshìbànyèqiāoménxīnbùjīng rest with a clear conscienceLiterally "if one does no wrong during one's life, a knock at the door at midnight will not cause alarm"; a clear conscience is the best protection from fear.
- 敲门石 qiāoménshí stepping stone(variant form) a means to an end, or a stepping stone to achieve a goal such as a job or higher status; literally, a stone used to knock on a door
