welcome mat

• Ein Teppich oder eine Matte, die am Eingang liegt, damit Besucher sich die Schuhe abtreten können; im übertragenen Sinne auch ein herzlicher Empfang oder eine offene Einladung.

A literal or figurative greeting or invitation, often referring to a mat placed at a doorway for wiping shoes, but used idiomatically to mean a warm welcome or an open invitation to visit.

1. Literal doormatA1formal

   A mat placed at the entrance of a home or building, often bearing the word 'Welcome', used for wiping shoes.

   Fußmatte

   • She wiped her feet on the welcome mat before entering.
   • The welcome mat was covered in autumn leaves.
   • He bought a new welcome mat for the front door.

2. Warm receptionB2informal

   A situation where someone is made to feel very welcome or invited.

   Herzlicher Empfang

   • The company rolled out the welcome mat for new employees.
   • They put out the welcome mat for their guests from abroad.
   • The community laid out the welcome mat for the new family.