to keep options open
21
3.9
- phrasal verb
:
mantener abiertas las opciones
- I don't want to pressure you, though, so I will be keeping my options open going forward.
- keep options open
- keep many options open
Examples
-
She chose to keep her options open regarding career paths while finishing her degree.
-
On this question, West preferred to keep his options open.
Academic text (1991) -
Well, I think it's good to keep all your options open.
Fiction book (2001) -
You can do it just by keeping the option open for yourself and those around you.
Blog text (2) -
And therefore, I am watching and keeping my options open right now.
Blog text (7) -
However, if you prefer to keep your options open, Advantage plans are not the best option for you.
Blog text (25) -
It's nothing beyond wanting to keep our options open as far as the roster construction is concerned.
Blog text (1) -
But if we are prudent, we will take steps to keep our options open.
Academic text (1996) -
I sensed she was keeping her options open, though she denied it when I asked her.
Academic text (2009) -
As a purchaser of NHS Yet to Come, you should have a range of options open to you.
Fiction book (1995)
Synonyms
26
3.7
To delay making a decision until the next day to think about it
15
4.2
To avoid choosing now so other choices remain
14
3.7
Keep something available while you delay a final decision
13
3.6
To keep a chance open for the future
Antonyms
How Open
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and predictably derived from 'keep' (retain), 'options' (choices) and 'open' (not settled): it literally means to retain choices in an undecided state. This verb + noun + adjective composition is common and cross-linguistically mirrored, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily understand it.
Etymology
Keep options open paints a clear picture: imagine several options or doors left open so you can pick one later. That's why it means 'avoid making a final decision' and stay 'free to choose'.