open*/*/*/

[ˈəʊpən] adj I

1) if a shop, restaurant etc is open, the public can use it or visit it

Ant:

closed,

shut

The bar stays open all night.[/ex]

the campaign to keep the hospital open[/ex]

The house is only open to the general public for three weeks each year.[/ex]

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

an open drawer[/ex]

The kids were tearing open presents.[/ex]

A book lay open on the table.[/ex]

The baby's eyes were open.[/ex]

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

The bedroom door was open.[/ex]

Someone has left the gate wide open.[/ex]

4) if a road or method of communication is open, it is available for people to use

5) an open space or area is not covered or enclosed, or does not have many buildings, trees etc

The top deck of the bus is open.[/ex]

the wide open spaces of the American West[/ex]

6) not keeping anything secret

an open and honest discussion[/ex]

He has always been open about his drinking problem.[/ex]

7) available for anyone to take part in or see

The meeting is open to the public.[/ex]

8) willing to consider many different possibilities

Police are keeping an open mind about the cause of her disappearance.[/ex]

I have some ideas about where to go, but I'm open to suggestions.[/ex]

9) a situation that is open has at least two possible results

Shall we leave it open for now, and decide at the meeting?[/ex]

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

The system is open to abuse.[/ex]

•

welcome sb/sth with open arms — to be very happy to see someone or receive something[/ex]

II

verb

open */*/*/[ˈəʊpən]

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

She opened her shopping bag and took out an umbrella.[/ex]

Can you open this jar?[/ex]

Open your books at page 25.[/ex]

2) [I/T] if you open a door or window, or if it opens, you move it into a position that allows people or things to pass through

Do you mind if I open a window?[/ex]

3) [I/T] if parts of your body open, or if you open them, they move to their widest position

Open your mouth wide.[/ex]

Her eyes opened slowly.[/ex]

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

The library doesn't open till 9.30.[/ex]

5) [I/T] 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.[/ex]

6) [T] to begin something

I opened an account at the local bank.[/ex]

He opened his talk with a quotation from Shakespeare.[/ex]

The police have opened an investigation into his business affairs.[/ex]

7) [I] if a film or play opens, it starts being shown to the public

8) [I] if a flower opens, it moves into its widest position

•

open the door — to make it possible for something to happen[/ex]

open doors — to give someone opportunities[/ex]

open sb's eyes — to make someone realize the truth about something[/ex]

open fire — to start shooting a gun[/ex]

- open (sth) up

III the open

[ˈəʊpən]

noun [singular]

any place that is outside, not in a building

It's cold out here in the open.[/ex]

•

(out) in the open — known about and not secret[/ex]