- 敲门声 qiāoménshēng sound of knockingthe auditory signal produced by someone hitting a door with their hand or an object.
- 敲门砖 qiāoménzhuān stepping stonea means to an end; a temporary expedient such as a qualification or person used to achieve a goal and then discarded
- 不做亏心事，不怕鬼敲门 bùzuòkuīxīnshì, bùpàguǐqiāomén clear consciencehe who never wrongs others does not fear the knock in the night; one can rest easy with a clear conscience
- 平生不做亏心事，半夜敲门心不惊 píngshēngbùzuòkuīxīnshì, bànyèqiāoménxīnbùjīng clear conscienceHaving never done anything wrong or shameful, one does not need to fear unexpected visitors or sudden troubles.