open wide

The phrase "open wide" is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe the act of opening something to its fullest extent.

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Definition

B1Dental

(imperative, medical)An instruction given by a dentist to open one's mouth as fully as possible.

Example

  • The dentist asked me to open wide so she could examine my teeth.

B1General

(literal)To move or spread something apart to its maximum extent.

Example

  • He opened the door wide to let in more light.

B2Emotional Response

(figurative)To express surprise, shock, or amazement, typically referring to the eyes.

Example

  • Her eyes opened wide in astonishment when she saw the surprise party.

B2Exposure

(figurative)To reveal or expose something fully.

Example

  • The new policy opens wide the possibilities for innovation.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "open wide":

open upwide opengo wideopen fanbig mouthopen its doorsopen doorpen upopen oopen the dooropen one's heartopen washin the openmouth offopen sesameopen the attackbreak opencrack open