leave open

Idioms  

1. Keep undecided or unscheduled, as in We don't know how much fabric will be needed; let's leave that open , or The doctor leaves Fridays open for consultation . This expression uses open in the sense of “undetermined,” a usage dating from the mid-1500s.

2. leave oneself open . Remain vulnerable to; also, remain willing to consider. For example, Her actions left her open to widespread criticism , or I left myself open to further suggestions about how to proceed . Also see under lay open .

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Example Sentences

A new system of post-Brexit border checks at Dover came into effect in April of this year, but critics have said they leave open the possibility of more illegal meat entering the UK.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2024

Ballerina Farm opts out of all that because its creators can afford to, even as they leave open the question of whether this life is truly what its namesake creator wants.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2024

If she opts not to seek reelection, it would leave open two of Virginia’s most competitive House seats, now both represented by Democrats.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2023

You might see it quietly embellished on the border of a $100,000 antique, hand-knotted rug or on a cashmere shawl, the drops long and slim, pulling away from the center to leave open space.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2023

Afraid to trust herself entirely to the Guises, the crafty Italian had, from the very commencement of the reign, sought to leave open a retreat in case a change should become necessary.

From History of the Rise of the Huguenots Vol. 1 by Baird, Henry Martyn

Related Words

• endanger
• jeopardize