(out) in/into the open

idiom

1
: in or to an area or place that is not covered or enclosed
We slept out in the open with nothing above us but the stars.
A deer walked out into the open.
food left out in the open
2
: in or into a situation in which something (such as a feeling) is no longer hidden or kept secret
Her true feelings were finally out in the open.
He rarely fought his political battles in the open.
Let's get everything out into the open. You've been lying to me, haven't you?

Examples of (out) in/into the open in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not rehearsed behind closed doors—but tested in the open. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 The committee has been plagued by party infighting that has spilled out into the open in recent weeks, writes The Hill’s Julia Manchester. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 June 2025 Politicians are being doxxed — and even killed — and are still doing their jobs out in the open. Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 Gabbard’s politically perilous position burst into the open this week when Trump brushed her back over her testimony to Congress in March. Nbc News, NBC news, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for (out) in/into the open

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Cite this Entry

“(out) in/into the open.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28out%29%20in%2Finto%20the%20open. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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