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Keep One's Options Open

What Does "Keep One's Options Open" Mean?

homeidiomsKeep One's Options Open
"Keep one's options open" is an English idiom. It means "to avoid committing oneself to any one option."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "keep one's options open" used in a sentence:
  • I'm keeping my options open before deciding on a job offer.
  • He didn't want to settle, so he kept his options open.
  • She's keeping her options open by applying to multiple universities.
meaning for keep one's options open

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Keep One's Options Open" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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