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.
Ultimately, the Cowboys lost their last three games and found themselves on the outside looking in on the playoffs once more. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 On Sunday, hitting home runs on the outside won’t be so easy. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2025 Xieerduo Striped Tracksuit Sporty on the outside and buttery soft on the inside, this $46 jacket set blends pajama-like comfort and a gym class aesthetic. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025 But Merle does feel obliged to teach a lesson to Todd, the guy running the gang on the outside, who has been bending over backward to accommodate Mike. Noel Murray, Vulture, 14 Dec. 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 30 Dec. 2025.

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