# keep one's options open

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-ones-options-open
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To not commit to a decision, to keep various options available.

## Examples

- I want to keep my options open before I decide.
- She applied to several different universities to keep her options open for the next academic year.
- Rather than committing to a single career path immediately, he chose to keep his options open by gaining experience in several diverse industries.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.