In reserve

adverb

Kept for future use or for a special purpose.

They kept some money in reserve in case of unexpected expenses.
Visual representation of "in reserve" - Kept for future use or for a special purpose

Often appears as...

  • keep in reserve
  • held in reserve
adverb

Available if needed.

The army has thousands of troops in reserve if the situation worsens.
Visual representation of "in reserve" - Available if needed

Often appears as...

  • have in reserve
  • troops in reserve
adjective

Not immediately active or committed.

He played good but was kept as a player in reserve by the coach.
Visual representation of "in reserve" - Not immediately active or committed.

Often appears as...

  • player in reserve
  • team in reserve

Usage tips

Sporting

adverb

Kept for future use or for a special purpose.

They kept some money in reserve in case of unexpected expenses.
Visual representation of "in reserve" - Kept for future use or for a special purpose

Often appears as...

  • keep in reserve
  • held in reserve
adverb

Available if needed.

The army has thousands of troops in reserve if the situation worsens.
Visual representation of "in reserve" - Available if needed

Often appears as...

  • have in reserve
  • troops in reserve
adjective

Not immediately active or committed.

He played good but was kept as a player in reserve by the coach.
Visual representation of "in reserve" - Not immediately active or committed.

Often appears as...

  • player in reserve
  • team in reserve

Usage tips

Sporting

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "in reserve"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Future Planning

Used to express setting something aside for situations that might happen later.

Illustration for Future Planning
I have some vacation days in reserve for a trip next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cautious Approach

Implies being careful by not using everything you have right away.

Illustration for Cautious Approach
Our team has strategies in reserve for the final quarter.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Security Measure

Indicates holding back resources as a precaution to feel safer.

Illustration for Security Measure
The hospital keeps blood supplies in reserve for emergencies.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Future Planning

Used to express setting something aside for situations that might happen later.

Illustration for Future Planning
I have some vacation days in reserve for a trip next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cautious Approach

Implies being careful by not using everything you have right away.

Illustration for Cautious Approach
Our team has strategies in reserve for the final quarter.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Security Measure

Indicates holding back resources as a precaution to feel safer.

Illustration for Security Measure
The hospital keeps blood supplies in reserve for emergencies.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Future Planning

Used to express setting something aside for situations that might happen later.

Illustration for Future Planning
I have some vacation days in reserve for a trip next year.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cautious Approach

Implies being careful by not using everything you have right away.

Illustration for Cautious Approach
Our team has strategies in reserve for the final quarter.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Security Measure

Indicates holding back resources as a precaution to feel safer.

Illustration for Security Measure
The hospital keeps blood supplies in reserve for emergencies.
Visual representation of the word "In reserve"

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