Meaning
To not commit yet to a decision.
Cultural Background
In Sweden, 'hålla dörren öppen' is a vital part of 'konsensuskultur'. It allows leaders to avoid making unilateral decisions that might upset the group harmony. While Americans use 'keep the door open', the culture often rewards faster, more decisive action ('time is money'). Keeping a door open too long can be seen as a lack of leadership. The concept of 'Aimai' (ambiguity) is similar. Keeping options open is a way to avoid 'no', which is considered impolite in Japanese culture. Similar to Sweden, but Finns are often more direct. They might 'keep the door open' less often, preferring a clear 'yes' or 'no' once the facts are on the table.
Use it in Negotiations
In Sweden, saying 'Jag håller dörren öppen' sounds much more professional than 'Jag vet inte'.
Don't over-use it
If you keep the door open too long, people might think you are indecisive or uninterested.
Meaning
To not commit yet to a decision.
Use it in Negotiations
In Sweden, saying 'Jag håller dörren öppen' sounds much more professional than 'Jag vet inte'.
Don't over-use it
If you keep the door open too long, people might think you are indecisive or uninterested.
The 'För' Preposition
Always remember to use 'för' if you are mentioning the specific option you are considering.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'hålla'.
Igår _______ jag dörren öppen för mitt gamla jobb, men idag sa jag nej.
The sentence starts with 'Igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense (imperfect) form 'höll'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a figurative sense?
Choose the best option:
This sentence describes keeping a future possibility (studying abroad) available, which is the figurative meaning.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
You want to show that there is only a *very small* chance you will change your mind.
'På glänt' (ajar) implies a very small opening/possibility.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Ska du sälja din bil?' B: 'Jag har fått ett bud, men jag...'
This indicates B is waiting to see if better offers come in.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Door Idiom Spectrum
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIgår _______ jag dörren öppen för mitt gamla jobb, men idag sa jag nej.
The sentence starts with 'Igår' (yesterday), so we need the past tense (imperfect) form 'höll'.
Choose the best option:
This sentence describes keeping a future possibility (studying abroad) available, which is the figurative meaning.
You want to show that there is only a *very small* chance you will change your mind.
'På glänt' (ajar) implies a very small opening/possibility.
A: 'Ska du sälja din bil?' B: 'Jag har fått ett bud, men jag...'
This indicates B is waiting to see if better offers come in.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Literally yes, but figuratively no. The idiom only works with 'dörren'.
'Hålla' implies more active maintenance, while 'lämna' (leave) is more passive. Both are used, but 'hålla' is more common for the idiom.
Use 'höll': 'Jag höll dörren öppen så länge jag kunde.'
It can be. It implies you are looking for other options, which might hurt their feelings.
Yes! 'Kan du hålla dörren öppen?' is a very common request when carrying things.
Exactly the same. It's a direct equivalent.
Hålla dörrarna öppna.
Not really, but 'hålla det öppet' is a common casual alternative.
Yes, e.g., 'Jag hoppas att ni håller dörren öppen för en intervju.'
Related Phrases
lämna dörren på glänt
similarTo leave the door ajar.
stänga dörren för något
contrastTo close the door on something.
hålla alla dörrar öppna
builds onTo keep all doors open.
slå in öppna dörrar
specialized formTo kick in open doors.
se tiden an
similarWait and see.
