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
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.
The main concern with Hermansson is his effort level and playing too much on the outside. Corey Pronman, New York Times, 7 July 2025 Check the insulation in the attic for distinctive trails, as well as random smears of dirt on the outside of the home, which can point to one or more raccoons living in the house. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025 What followed was an 85 MPH slider on the outside corner that Kershaw would later say wasn’t where it was supposed to be. Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 It's made properly with mojo roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard, all pressed flat and crispy on the outside, salty and melty within. Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for on the outside

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Cite this Entry

“On the outside.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20outside. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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