Keep/leave your options open
phrase
Not make a decision now so you can choose later.
I'm not sure whether I will go to the party later, I'm keeping my options open.
Often appears as...
- i like to keep my options open
- she decided to keep her options open
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Avoid making a final choice or decision so you can consider other possibilities.
She didn't want to commit to any specific career yet, so she decided to leave her options open.
Often appears as...
- he preferred to leave his options open
- they tended to leave their options open
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Not make a decision now so you can choose later.
I'm not sure whether I will go to the party later, I'm keeping my options open.
Often appears as...
- i like to keep my options open
- she decided to keep her options open
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Avoid making a final choice or decision so you can consider other possibilities.
She didn't want to commit to any specific career yet, so she decided to leave her options open.
Often appears as...
- he preferred to leave his options open
- they tended to leave their options open
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Use
The phrase is informal, fitting casual conversations more than formal settings.
I might take a year off before college to travel, so I'm keeping my options open.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Committal
Using the phrase suggests you're not ready to commit and prefer flexibility.
I'm keeping my options open about moving; I haven't decided the city yet.
Pro Tip 3/3Future Decisions
It implies that a decision will be made in the future, just not now.
He's keeping his options open and will choose his major after some college courses.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Use
The phrase is informal, fitting casual conversations more than formal settings.
I might take a year off before college to travel, so I'm keeping my options open.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Committal
Using the phrase suggests you're not ready to commit and prefer flexibility.
I'm keeping my options open about moving; I haven't decided the city yet.
Pro Tip 3/3Future Decisions
It implies that a decision will be made in the future, just not now.
He's keeping his options open and will choose his major after some college courses.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Use
The phrase is informal, fitting casual conversations more than formal settings.
I might take a year off before college to travel, so I'm keeping my options open.
Pro Tip 2/3Non-Committal
Using the phrase suggests you're not ready to commit and prefer flexibility.
I'm keeping my options open about moving; I haven't decided the city yet.
Pro Tip 3/3Future Decisions
It implies that a decision will be made in the future, just not now.
He's keeping his options open and will choose his major after some college courses.
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