kept one's options open
Avoided final decisions
To keep one's options open is to avoid committing to a single course of action, preserving the ability to choose among alternatives later.
The phrase suggests strategic hesitation rather than indecision—someone who keeps their options open is deliberately maintaining flexibility.
She kept her options open by applying to several graduate programs.
The past tense form indicates this stance was maintained over some period before a decision was finally made or circumstances changed.
- open-mindednessAcceptance of differing viewpoints
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- backup planAlternative if primary fails
- plan BAlternative when primary fails
adaptability · choice · playing the field · hedging · planning · wait and see · patience · biding time · opportunity cost · versatility · wiggle room · reservation · noncommittal · on the fence · maneuvering · postponement · indecision · alternatives
kept one's options opencommitted
Firmly pledged or bound
locked in · burned one's bridges · took the plunge · went all in · crossed the Rubicon
kept one's options opendecided
Reached a conclusion
took a stand · chose · bit the bullet · resolved · pulled the trigger
keeping, keeper, keepers, oneness, option, options, optional, optionally, opting