on the outside
idiom
1
: on the outer side, edge, or surface of something
The number 22 car tried to pass the leader on the outside (of the track).
2
baseball
: on the side of home plate farthest from the batter
The next pitch was a fastball on the outside.
3
—used to describe someone's appearance
I might seem calm on the outside, but I'm actually really nervous.
4
: not in prison
He looked forward to life on the outside again.
Examples of on the outside in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brushed with Dijon on the outside, the mustard cuts through the rich meat and adds a little sharpness to the salty, savory, and smoky filling.
—
Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
Now, in the case of the United States, there’s no concern whatsoever with what anybody thinks on the outside.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Outside linebacker The team has its 2025 linebacker starters in place with Terrel Bernard in the middle and Matt Milano on the outside, but this season might be the final year of that partnership.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Now, in a division that could any moment be taken over by the Dodgers, Diamondbacks or Giants, San Diego could find itself on the outside looking in and needing to make a couple of trades to better the future of the team.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
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Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025
Now, in the case of the United States, there’s no concern whatsoever with what anybody thinks on the outside.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2025
Outside linebacker The team has its 2025 linebacker starters in place with Terrel Bernard in the middle and Matt Milano on the outside, but this season might be the final year of that partnership.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Now, in a division that could any moment be taken over by the Dodgers, Diamondbacks or Giants, San Diego could find itself on the outside looking in and needing to make a couple of trades to better the future of the team.
—Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
Cite this Entry
“On the outside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20outside. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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