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.

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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

The Fed and BOE are both expected to leave rates unchanged but the focus is on whether they will leave the door open to the possibility of hikes later this year.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

If Khawaja is left out on his home ground, it would leave the door open for Josh Inglis, who made a hundred for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions on Monday.

From BBC ● Nov. 28, 2025

The remaining time on James’ contract with the Lakers is a natural potential end date, but he did leave the door open Monday to the possibility of being lured into staying because of championship opportunities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 30, 2024

She was asking him to leave the door open.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman

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