keep an open mind

Meaning

This phrase means to be willing to consider new ideas, opinions, or experiences without judging them beforehand. It is used in both personal and professional contexts to encourage flexibility and curiosity. The tone is positive, supportive, and objective.

Examples

• You might not like modern art, but try to keep an open mind when we visit the gallery.

  You might not like modern art, but try to keep an open mind when we visit the gallery.

• It's important to keep an open mind during brainstorming sessions to find the best solutions.

  It's important to keep an open mind during brainstorming sessions to find the best solutions.

• Although the new schedule sounds confusing, let's keep an open mind until we try it.

  Although the new schedule sounds confusing, let's keep an open mind until we try it.

• She kept an open mind about moving to a new city, and she ended up loving it.

  She kept an open mind about moving to a new city, and she ended up loving it.

• I'm trying to keep an open mind about his explanation, even though it sounds unlikely.

  I'm trying to keep an open mind about his explanation, even though it sounds unlikely.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You should keep an opened mind.

  ✓ You should keep an open mind.

  The adjective is 'open' (in its base form), not the past participle 'opened,' when describing the state of being receptive.

• ✗ Please keep your mind open about the new plan.

  ✓ Please keep an open mind about the new plan.

  While 'keep your mind open' is grammatically correct, 'keep an open mind' is the standard, more idiomatic collocation.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I know you hate seafood, but please ___ and try the sushi.

  💡 Be willing to try something new without pre-judging it.

  Show answer

  keep an open mind

• We need to ___ during the negotiation if we want to reach an agreement.

  💡 Avoid being rigid and listen to the other side.

  Show answer

  keep an open mind