out in the open

Idioms  

1. Also, out into the open. In or into public view or knowledge, as in I wish he wouldn't talk behind our backs but bring his complaints out in the open, or It's important to bring the merger plans out into the open. This term uses open to mean “an unconcealed state.” [c. 1940]

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Example Sentences

Even before the Chronicle published its article, once the privately bandied rumors were suddenly out in the open, you could almost hear the sound of a dam bursting.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“A.I. humanization” is a growing profession, and for industries beyond academia, these words can be said out in the open.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

"Orsoni was a major contemporary figure in Corsican nationalism both out in the open and and in the shadows."

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

A neighbour helped guide them and relatives through the floodwaters to higher ground, but they were out in the open, still struggling to survive.

From Barron's • Dec. 3, 2025

So the dwelling long neglected—the one I’d been trying to locate for the past six months—had been sitting right out in the open on Frobozz this entire time.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Related Words

• clear
• conspicuous
• discernible
• evident
• glaring
• noticeable
• overt
• palpable
• understandable
• unmistakable
• visible