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3. reserve

reserve

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without reserve

Readily or candidly. Once the music starts at the reception, get your camera ready because Aunt Millie will be dancing without reserve! Thank you for speaking without reserve—that kind of honest feedback is exactly what we're looking for.

See also: reserve, without

hold someone or something in reserve and keep someone or something in reserve

Fig. to hold back someone or something for future needs. I am holding the frozen desserts in reserve, in case we run out of cake. We are holding Sharon in reserve. Keep a few good players in reserve.

See also: and, hold, keep, reserve

reserve something for someone or something

to save or set aside something for someone or something. I am reserving this seat for Claire. We are reserving some of the cake for tomorrow.

See also: reserve

in reserve

available for use if needed I know how much money I will earn, how much I can spend, and what I need to keep in reserve.

See also: reserve

in reserve

Kept back, set aside, or saved. For example, We have a fair amount of cash in reserve, or The coach decided to keep the best player in reserve until the last quarter. [Late 1600s]

See also: reserve

in reserve

Kept back, set aside, or saved.

See also: reserve