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
But without Arnold around, expect Robertson to remain on the outside.
—
Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The sign — fixed high on the outside wall of the black and red painted concrete block building — was to be removed before demolition and donated to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/ Museum under the requirements of the demolition contract.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Bailey’s portrait is in the middle of the rear seats, for example, and his paw prints are on the outside of the Spectre.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
In this recipe, country music star Lainey Wilson draws on her Louisiana roots, rolling the regional sausage into balls before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying until crispy on the outside, but still tender inside.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
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Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
The sign — fixed high on the outside wall of the black and red painted concrete block building — was to be removed before demolition and donated to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society/ Museum under the requirements of the demolition contract.
—Mary Spicuzza, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Bailey’s portrait is in the middle of the rear seats, for example, and his paw prints are on the outside of the Spectre.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2025
In this recipe, country music star Lainey Wilson draws on her Louisiana roots, rolling the regional sausage into balls before coating them in breadcrumbs and frying until crispy on the outside, but still tender inside.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2025.
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