open */*/*/

I UK [ˈəʊpən] / US [ˈoʊpən] adjective

1) if a shop, restaurant etc is open, people are working there and the public can use or visit it

Are the shops open on Sundays?

There's a bar that stays open all night.

open for business:

We are open for business from Monday to Friday.

open to the public:

The house is only open to the general public for three weeks each year.

2) something that is open has no cover or has its edges separated so that you can see or take out what is inside

A book lay open on the table.

She stuffed the photographs into an open drawer.

tear/pull/rip something open:

The kids were ripping open their Christmas presents.

a) in a position that allows someone or something to pass through

The bedroom door was slightly open.

throw/pull/fling something open:

We threw open all the windows to let the air in.

wide open:

Someone has left the gate wide open.

b) used about a part of someone's body

He was asleep with his mouth open.

wide open:

She lay still, eyes wide open, listening intently.

3)

a) if a road or passage is open, it is possible for things to move from one end to the other

Many roads are blocked by snow but Snake Pass is still open.

b) used about ways of sending messages to someone

The lines are open now for you to call in with your donations.

It's important to keep the channels of communication open with your ex-wife.

4) an open space or area is not covered or enclosed, or does not have many buildings, trees etc in or on it

They had to escape across open ground.

The top deck of the bus is open.

open spaces:

He loved the wide open spaces of the American West.

5)

a) used about someone who is honest and does not keep things secret

Everyone in the group was very friendly and open.

The President promised an open dialogue.

be open about something:

He has always been open about his drinking problem.

b) not hidden or secret

Their relationship has deteriorated to the point of open hostility.

6) available for anyone to take part in or to see

A Chief Executive will be appointed by open competition.

open to:

The meeting is open to the public.

Most government files from the period are now open to scrutiny.

7)

a) willing to consider many different possibilities

be open to something:

I have some ideas about where to go, but I'm open to suggestions.

keep an open mind:

Police are keeping an open mind about the cause of her disappearance.

b) used for describing a situation that has at least two possible results

His contract keeps open the possibility that he might return to the series.

leave something open:

Shall we leave it open for now, and decide at the meeting?

wide open:

The election is still wide open.

8) if something is open to criticism, doubt etc, it is possible or reasonable to criticize it, doubt it etc

open to:

The new tax was open to two serious criticisms.

Whether or not he intended this outcome, is open to question.

wide open:

The system is wide open to abuse.

9) if something is open to you, it is possible for you to do it

open to:

Taking him to court was the only option left open to me.

•

welcome/receive someone with open arms — to be very happy to see someone or to let them stay with you

Allied troops were welcomed with open arms.

- in open court

- an open book

- the open road

- throw something open

II UK [ˈəʊpən] / US [ˈoʊpən] verb
Word forms "open":
present tense I/you/we/they open he/she/it opens present participle opening past tense opened past participle opened

1)

a) [transitive] to separate the edges of something, or to take off its cover so that you can see or remove what is inside

She opened her shopping bag and took out an umbrella.

Can you open this jam jar?

Open your books at page 25.

b) [intransitive] if something such as a flower opens, it moves into its widest position and you can see its full shape

Her parachute failed to open.

2)

a) [transitive] to move a door or window into a position that allows people or things to pass through

Do you mind if I open a window?

The school gates are opened at 8.45.

b) [intransitive] if something such as a door opens, it moves into a position that allows people or things to pass through

The lift doors opened and two men walked out.

open onto/into something:

The kitchen door opens onto a patio.

3) [intransitive/transitive] to move your arms or legs wide apart

She opened her arms to hug me.

a) to move your lips and teeth apart so that your mouth is not closed

Open your mouth and let me look at your teeth.

b) to move your eyelids apart so that your eyes are not closed

I opened my eyes and looked around me.

c) to make your fingers straight so that your hand is not closed

4) [intransitive/transitive] if a shop, public building etc opens at a particular time, or if someone opens it, it regularly becomes available for people to visit or use at that time

The library doesn't open till 9.30.

I'm calling to ask when you open today.

5) open or open up

[intransitive/transitive] if a new business, building etc opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use for the first time

They decided to move to Spain and open a bar.

The college first opened in the 1960s.

a) [intransitive/transitive] if something that has been private or secret opens, or if someone opens it to people, it becomes available for people to visit, see, or take part in

open something to someone:

There are plans to open the gardens to the public.

open something to competition/inspection/scrutiny:

The telecommunications market has been opened up to competition.

open your doors/gates to someone:

The farmer opens his gates to visitors during the lambing season.

b) [intransitive] theatre, cinema if a film or play opens, it starts being shown to the public

Her new play has just opened on Broadway.

c) [intransitive/transitive] if a road, telephone line, or other method of communication opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use

We are opening a hotline for enquiries about the product.

d) [transitive] if a famous person opens a shop or public building, they appear there to say that it is officially available for people to use or visit

The Queen is opening the new gallery on Saturday.

6) [transitive] to begin something such as a discussion or trial

She opened the debate by summarizing her party's position.

open an investigation/inquiry/inquest:

The police have opened an investigation into his business affairs.

a) [intransitive] to begin a speech

open with:

He opened his talk with a quotation from Shakespeare.

b) [transitive] to start an account with a bank

You only need £1 to open an account with us.

c) [intransitive] when a period of time opens, it begins

The year opened well for the company.

The trout fishing season opened last week.

•

open the door/way — to make it possible for something to happen

The changes have opened the way to free elections in the country.

- open doors

- open fire

- open someone's mind to something

Phrasal verbs:

- open out

- open up

See:

eye I, heart