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

The products were sold in two-pack plastic tubs, with a product information sleeve on the outside of the containers. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026

Elliott wound up fourth and sat dejected and in disbelief on the outside wall of the track after climbing from his car. —CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

Elliott wound up fourth and sat dejected and in disbelief on the outside wall of the track after climbing from his car. —Jenna Fryer, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026

Dallas is on the outside of the play-in picture, seemingly destined for another year in the draft lottery. —Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 14 Feb. 2026

Rhymes for on the outside

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