wide-open

[ wahyd-oh-puhn ]

adjective

1. opened to the full extent:

   a wide-open window.

2. lacking laws or strict enforcement of laws concerning liquor, vice, gambling, etc.:

   a wide-open town.

wide-open

adjective

1. open to the full extent
2. postpositive exposed to attack; vulnerable
3. uncertain as to outcome
4. informal.
   (of a town or city) lax in the enforcement of certain laws, esp those relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol, gambling, the control of vice, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of wide-open¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Together or separately, they co-wrote “Wide Open Heart,” “I’ll Pay the Price,” “California Sky,” “I Spell Love” and “Hand Me Down Heart” with Yoakam.

From Los Angeles Times

Min said he will head to the nation’s Capitol “with eyes wide open.”

From Los Angeles Times

The 11 teams from Chelsea in third to Manchester United in 13th are only separated by four points, meaning the fight for Champions League places is wide open.

From BBC

She’s pretty wide open and into jazz artists like Eric Dolphy and John Coltrane.

From Los Angeles Times

Opoku-Fordjour's power shows up in the wide, open spaces, as well as at set-piece close quarters.

From BBC

Related Words

• absolute
• boundless
• endless
• immeasurable
• immense
• incalculable
• indefinite
• infinite
• limitless
• unconditional
• unfettered
• universal
• unrestrained
• unrestricted
• untold
• vast