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.
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
That said, Pirro did request that the judge dismiss the case “without prejudice,” which in theory would leave the door open for the government to pursue Hearn again.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 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
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
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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
