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Can I use "crack around the door" in the following situation? If I am wrong, could you give me the correct expression? Thank you.

The door of Dad's room was half-open. Through the crack around the door, the wind came in and blew the book shut, then open.

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    Through the doorway ... Sounds more natural
    – k1eran
    Feb 1, 2016 at 8:38
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    Could you tell me what "crack around the door" means to you?
    – Lily Park
    Feb 1, 2016 at 9:33
  • A "crack around the door" suggests the idea of an opening in the wall that runs around part of the surface of the door. homerenovations.about.com/od/wallsandtrim/qt/plastcrackdoor.htm
    – user66974
    Feb 1, 2016 at 9:52

1 Answer 1

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Yes, the meaning of crack may refers to the narrow space of a door left ajar, but as suggested, through the doorway may be a better choice:

  • A slight narrow space, a fissure.
    • The window was open a crack.
  • Through the crack in the door (slight opening) suggests that the door had a crack in it.

Note also the expression:

Crack the door:

  • to open the door (open) and crack the window (open) to open the door or window a very small amount.

    • I cracked open the door to peek out. Just crack the window a bit to let air inside.
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  • If the door opened a tiny crack, is it right to say through the crack around the door.
    – Lily Park
    Feb 1, 2016 at 8:54
  • If you want to use "crack" you may say "through the crack of the door".
    – user66974
    Feb 1, 2016 at 8:57

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