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 Falcons have lost four straight games, and are suddenly on the outside looking in for the postseason. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 The Seahawks dropped from first place in the NFC West to on the outside of the playoff bracket. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 16 Dec. 2024 With earthy red daub on the outside, these quiet, secluded suites and villas are domed on top, reminiscent of Greece's ancient churches, and some have private pools. William Leigh, theweek, 10 Dec. 2024 The department responded to a very minor gas leak about 7 a.m. on the outside of the school building after someone reported smelling gas, according to Deputy Chief Dusty Qualls. Al Gaspeny, arkansasonline.com, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for on the outside 

Dictionary Entries Near 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 25 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!