open-ended search approach
noun phraseUK /ˌəʊpən ˈɛndɪd sɜːtʃ əˈprəʊtʃ/
US /ˌoʊpən ˈɛndɪd sɜːrtʃ əˈproʊtʃ/
A way of looking for something where you keep trying new ideas and don't stop at just one answer.
The detective used an open-ended search approach, following every clue wherever it led.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A research method where the questions can change as new information is found.
Her open-ended search approach let her ask new questions after each interview.
3. A way of solving puzzles that allows many possible answers instead of one fixed one.
The game rewards an open-ended search approach because there are many ways to win.
4. A style of exploring a place or topic without a strict plan.
On vacation, they took an open-ended search approach and wandered wherever looked interesting.