an open invitation

an open invitation

1. An invitation to do something at any time or whenever someone is inclined. Just because I let your insufferable friend Paul to come over that one time doesn't mean he has an open invitation.
2. Something that provides an ostensible reason or excuse for someone to do something immoral or illegal. A lot of people fear that legalizing marijuana will create an open invitation for people to try, buy, or sell any drug they can think of.
See also: open
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

an ˌopen inviˈtation (to somebody)


1 an invitation to somebody to visit you at any time
2 if something is an open invitation to criminals, etc., it encourages them to commit a crime by making it easier: Leaving your camera on the seat in the car is an open invitation to thieves.
See also: open
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • any time
  • anytime
  • ahead of (someone's or something's) time
  • ahead of your/its time
  • any time means no time
  • be joined at the hip
  • bout
  • (it's) (a)bout time
  • about time
  • at all hours
References in classic literature
Why, your every word and act was an open invitation to him, and he had not the sense to see it."
The Return of Tarzan
"An open invitation is extended to the public to visit our exhibition.
Gallery's first exhibition boasts UK-wide artists; CULTURE
A statement from the Prime Minister's office said that the refugees had returned after the Government issued an open invitation for the refugees to come back.
Government assures will assist refugees returning from India to resettle
'I extended an open invitation to Mr Khan and he expressed his wishes to visit Kabul soon,' he added.
Afghan president felicitates Imran Khan on poll victory; extends invitation
Cardiff City plan to hold a promotion celebration bus parade on Sunday - and have issued an open invitation to the public to come and cheer the team.
Cardiff City fans handed open invitation to 'come and cheer the team' at promotion bus parade; Bluebirds hope to hold open-top bus celebrations around Cardiff on Sunday
TEESSIDE Radio Car Club is putting out an open invitation for newcomers to come and enjoy radio controlled model car racing.
Radio car club's invitation
Shona has extended an open invitation to locals who want to find out more about where milk comes from and experience what is involved in caring for cows and producing milk on a daily basis.
Open day in planned at dairy farm
Birmingham Friends of the Earth are extending an open invitation to the beach-themed bash in the newly opened Digbeth Community Garden, behind their Warehouse building in Allison Street.
City by sea as Digbeth hosts beach party
The choir has now issued an open invitation for those who enjoy singing to join them at an open rehearsal this coming Thursday.
Come and join us, say Marsh Ladies Choir
BRENDAN RODGERS has an open invitation to give Spain coach Vincente Del Bosque a visit as he bids to get his new Liverpool team playing like European and World champions.
Del Bosque happy to Kop a chat
Organisers had issued an open invitation but were caught out by the event's unexpected popularity.
YFC club that's too popular...
Insp Neal Craig, said: "We want to remind people not to leave valuables on display in an empty car - it is an open invitation to thieves.
Drivers' warning
He had issued an open invitation on Twitter for people to join him in a bike ride in Dornoch, Sutherland.
LANCE ON TOUR