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
Iowa State researchers said spraying pyrethroid insecticides, such as Permethrin or Esfenvalerate, on the outside of buildings when the beetles appear may help prevent pest entry, especially for large infestations.
—
Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
And a fast receiver got loose on the outside.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Add in Daniels’ injuries, and the Commanders are likely on the outside looking in when the postseason starts.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Add the scotch and Calvados and some crushed ice, and stir about 10 to 15 seconds, until a small frost begins to show on the outside of the mug.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for on the outside
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Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 27 Oct. 2025
And a fast receiver got loose on the outside.
—Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2025
Add in Daniels’ injuries, and the Commanders are likely on the outside looking in when the postseason starts.
—Jeff Howe, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Add the scotch and Calvados and some crushed ice, and stir about 10 to 15 seconds, until a small frost begins to show on the outside of the mug.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 25 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 31 Oct. 2025.
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