ENGLISH
REFERENCE

open wide

idiom
Meaning

To open one's mouth wide, to gape.


Examples
SIMPLE

The doctor told the child to open wide.

CONTEXTUAL

The dentist asked me to open wide so she could check my back teeth.

COMPLEX

The patient was instructed to open wide, allowing the specialist to examine the inflamed tissue at the back of the throat.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cut a wide swath

    To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.

  2. 02

    into the wide blue yonder

    A faraway place which is unknown and mysterious.

  3. 03

    keep a weather eye open

    to maintain a background awareness of something; to remain alert to changes without it occupying one's full attention.

  4. 04

    keep an eye open

    To remain vigilant for someone or something.

  5. 05

    keep one's ears open

    to listen for important information.

  6. 06

    keep one's options open

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

  7. 07

    kick at an open door

    To carry out a redundant activity.

  8. 08

    leave the door open

    To maintain the possibility of something happening in the future.

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