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Meaning & use

open this side

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌəʊpən ˈðɪs saɪd/
US/ˌoʊpən ˈðɪs saɪd/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    A printed instruction on a container telling you to open it at the side indicated.

    Grammar: Used as a complete instruction on its own; no subject or verb is added.

    Patterns

    • open this side
    • open this side only
    • open this side to pour

    The cereal box had 'open this side' printed along the top flap, so I pulled there and it tore cleanly.

    If you cannot find the tab, look for the words 'open this side' near the dotted line.

    She turned the juice carton around until she saw 'open this side' and then pierced the foil with a straw.

  2. phraseidiominformalfigurative

    Used informally to mean that a particular aspect or part of something should be dealt with first.

    Grammar: Often used in conversation as a metaphor from packaging instructions; it can stand alone or be followed by 'first'.

    Patterns

    • open this side first
    • let's open this side

    We have two problems with the project, but let's open this side first — the budget.

    When you read the report, open this side: the summary tells you what matters most.

    He always starts with the easiest task. 'Open this side,' he says, 'and the rest will follow.'

Common combinations

open this side only
The label said 'open this side only', so I did not cut the other end.
open this side to pour
The milk carton had 'open this side to pour' with an arrow pointing to the spout.
printed with 'open this side'
The envelope was printed with 'open this side' in small red letters.
look for 'open this side'
If you cannot find the opening, look for 'open this side' on the flap.
tear along 'open this side'
Tear along 'open this side' to avoid damaging the contents.

Synonyms and how they differ

open here
Means the same and is also used on packaging, but it is less specific about which part to open.
tear here
Focuses on the action of tearing rather than the side; often used with a dotted line.
pull here
Tells you to pull a tab or strip, not necessarily to open a whole side.

Word family

opening noun
The hole or gap you make when you open something.
opener noun
A tool or device for opening something, such as a can opener.
openable adjective
Able to be opened; often used of windows or containers.

Commonly confused: open this side or open side? open this side or this side up?

open this side vs open side

Without 'this', it can mean any side that is open, not an instruction. 'The open side of the box faced the wall.'

open this side vs this side up

A different shipping instruction meaning 'keep this side facing upward'. It tells you how to hold the package, not how to open it.

Practice

You see the words 'open this side' on a packet of biscuits. What should you do?

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “open this side”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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