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.

See Examples For:

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 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

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

“I can’t leave the door open all night,” he said impatiently.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin

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