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Synonyms

in reserve

Idioms  

  1. Kept back, set aside, or saved. For example, We have a fair amount of cash in reserve, or The coach decided to keep the best player in reserve until the last quarter. [Late 1600s]

Example 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

For example, China has built 1.3 billion barrels of oil in reserve.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 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

At the time of November's Budget, the OBR said Reeves would meet the first measure with £21.7bn in reserve - an amount often referred to as "headroom".

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

They kept the artifact in reserve and waited for their moment.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

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.