# open wide

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/open-wide
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To open one's mouth wide, to gape.

## Examples

- The doctor told the child to open wide.
- The dentist asked me to open wide so she could check my back teeth.
- The patient was instructed to open wide, allowing the specialist to examine the inflamed tissue at the back of the throat.

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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.