leave the door open
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.
Although cabinet members have long shot down the idea, more recently they have appeared to leave the door open to potential restrictions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
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
"I keep the back door locked at all times," she said, adding she keeps the key out of the way of her children because she's "petrified" they'll leave the door open.
From BBC ● Jan. 12, 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
All the rooms are soundproof, but sometimes students leave the door open, just to get some air or show off how well they are playing.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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.
