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.

“The focus will instead shift to the guidance, where we anticipate that they will leave the door open for, but not explicitly signal, rate hikes this year,” Danske Bank analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Councilmember Kevin de León, who represents part of the Eastside, seemed to leave the door open to redrawing the lines.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2024

In these circumstances use open ended questions such as “How have you been feeling?” and leave the door open to talk any time they are ready.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2024

He does, however, leave the door open for his mind to be changed.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2024

Maybe, if he was lucky, someone would come down to get pencils and leave the door open long enough for him to slip out.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett

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