out in the open

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In other words, everything here is happening out in the open.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

For those caught out in the open, there are no underground car parks to dash to in this modest town.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

His mother, Matilda Banda, was caught out in the open.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Many residents are now sleeping out in the open and need tents, Matiullah adds.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

We had to cross at Jozefinska Street, which meant we would be out in the open.

From "Prisoner B-3087" by Alan Gratz

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023