leave the door open

Idioms

Allow for further action or discussion. For example, This will's terms leave the door open for fighting among the heirs. This metaphoric expression transfers the invitation implied by an open door to future events. Also see open the door to.

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.

See Examples For:

leave the door open

We don’t want political or religious differences to permanently destroy our relationship with him, and we want to leave the door open for reconciliation without creating additional conflict or pressure.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026

Andrea Orcel’s comments leave the door open to UniCredit revising the terms of its takeover offer if the banks can agree on a common plan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 18, 2026

And like many modern movies that are part of an expansive Hollywood franchise, “Tron: Ares” makes sure to leave the door open for future storytelling.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2025

“And then I leave the door open, so I’ll be ready when the luck happens,” she concludes her memoir.

From Salon ● Dec. 30, 2024

“Would you believe they leave the door open all night?”

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023