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
Meanwhile, on the outside, no one can visit Elsbeth until she’s been inside for at least a week, and Kaya is increasingly anxious to see Elsbeth before she’s sent on an undercover assignment with her new unit.
—
Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 9 May 2025
To those on the outside, Snider seemed to be on top of the world.
—John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
The transition from short to first may seem to those on the outside as a demotion.
—Joey Copponi, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
The finished bake is a real treat, warm and silky, with tender, custardy bread lightly crisped on the outside, mingling with softened bites of apple and a crunchy, sweet, nutty topping.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
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Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 9 May 2025
To those on the outside, Snider seemed to be on top of the world.
—John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
The transition from short to first may seem to those on the outside as a demotion.
—Joey Copponi, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
The finished bake is a real treat, warm and silky, with tender, custardy bread lightly crisped on the outside, mingling with softened bites of apple and a crunchy, sweet, nutty topping.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 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 21 May. 2025.
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