on the inside

idiom

1

: on the inner side, edge, or surface of something

The number 22 car tried to pass the leader on the inside (of the track).

2

baseball : on the side of home plate nearest the batter

The next pitch was a fastball on the inside.

3

—used to describe how someone is feeling

She may have seemed happy, but really she was sad on the inside.

4

: in a position within an organization or group : working for an organization

The bank robbers must have had help from someone on the inside.

5

: in prison

He wondered what life was like on the inside.

Examples of on the inside in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fabric is smooth on the outside and fuzzy on the inside, provides a comfortable stretch, and offers more coverage, thanks to the longer hem. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

The photorealistic denim print is shockingly convincing, while Rag & Bone’s Miramar technique uses soft cotton terry on the inside for that lived-in, lounge-level feel. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Jan. 2026

Interior Windows Diana Ciechorska, the CEO at Park Slope Cleaning, says January is a great time to give your windows a little attention—on the inside, that is. —Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026

Fit your phone in the exterior slip pocket, a wallet, and glasses, and still more on the inside. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for on the inside

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide