keep options open

Meaning

To avoid making a final decision or commitment so that you still have other choices available in the future. It is a strategic move in negotiations, hiring, and career decisions to maintain flexibility.

Examples

• I decided to keep my options open by applying to three different companies.

  I decided to keep my options open by applying to three different companies.

• Instead of signing the contract immediately, we should keep our options open.

  Instead of signing the contract immediately, we should keep our options open.

• She wants to keep her options open until she hears back about the salary package.

  She wants to keep her options open until she hears back about the salary package.

• It's always smart to keep your options open when negotiating with multiple vendors.

  It's always smart to keep your options open when negotiating with multiple vendors.

• They are keeping their options open regarding the new office location.

  They are keeping their options open regarding the new office location.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to keep my open options.

  ✓ I want to keep my options open.

  The adjective 'open' must come after the noun 'options' in this idiomatic structure.

• ✗ We should keep options opened for the future.

  ✓ We should keep our options open for the future.

  Use the adjective 'open', not the past participle 'opened', and it is more natural to use a possessive adjective like 'our' or 'your'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Even if you like the first offer, you should ___.

  💡 Avoid committing too early.

  Show answer

  keep your options open

• We decided to ___ by not signing an exclusive contract.

  💡 Maintain flexibility.

  Show answer

  keep our options open