Literally "to build a cart behind closed doors"; used to describe working on a project in isolation without considering reality or seeking outside information.

(metaphorical) a cold rebuff or refusal of entry; a situation where a visitor is not welcomed by the host or the host happens to be out when the guest arrives

To shut oneself up and reflect on one's errors in private; to ponder one's mistakes behind closed doors.

To be refused entrance or a meeting, or to find the host away and the door closed; figuratively, to have a request flatly rejected

to close one's door and turn away visitors; to live in seclusion and avoid contact with the outside world

to shut the door and not let someone in; to refuse to admit a visitor

(idiom) literally to lock the door and search for the right word; to work intensely on one's writing by relying on solitary concentration and imagination

to shut the door in someone's face; to refuse someone entrance into a place; to give someone the cold shoulder

airtight door; hermetic door; gas-tight door

To be shut out or refused entry; often used metaphorically for being turned down when making a request.

closed-door meeting; closed conference

to close the door and stop sweeping the path; to decline all visitors and stop socializing with the outside world

(idiom) to close doors and block openings; to be strongly fortified for defense

(idiom) an emperor who rules behind closed doors; refers to a person whose authority is narrowly confined or whose power is purely nominal