in reserve
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Its combat fleet also includes Russian MiG-29s and Belarusian Sukhoi Su-27s, most of which are inoperative or in reserve.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
Europe came into the crisis with large buffers: It has about 450 million barrels of oil and refined products in reserve, according to Société Générale.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
A back-up power to allow them to sentence a criminal up to two years will be created, but held in reserve.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
Some European countries instruct energy companies to hold a certain amount of petroleum in reserve, and simply reduce that target in a “release.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026
“One: the original. Sometimes it goes on display at city hall. Two: the one given to the winner. Three: held in reserve in case crown number two goes missing.”
From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
