What is "close the door on"

Usage examples of "close the door on".

He shoved the red lever back to close the door on the empty air lock and turned away, to walk to the pilot's chair with the slow steps of a man old and weary.

And then his mouth opening slowly and the courtroom hushed, some sixth sense warning us all that he was about to close the door on this one hope of acquittal.

I came downstairs in time to see Helen close the door on the mailman.

Inez shivered and reached to close the door on the chilling sea breeze.

I looked back at the cursing driver in time to see him close the door on another latecomer, a cove in a brown suit and bowler who was demanding that he open it again, but jarvey wasn't having any, and the bus rolled off with the fellow staring after us through the glass.