(out) in/into the open

idiom

1
: in or to an area or place that is not covered or enclosed
We slept out in the open with nothing above us but the stars.
A deer walked out into the open.
food left out in the open
2
: in or into a situation in which something (such as a feeling) is no longer hidden or kept secret
Her true feelings were finally out in the open.
He rarely fought his political battles in the open.
Let's get everything out into the open. You've been lying to me, haven't you?

Examples of (out) in/into the open 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.
Team members see that their hopes, fears and dilemmas have a place in the open. Carrie-Ann Barrow, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 Much of the political battle this round, however, has been waged out in the open. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025 Detainees told us that people were sleeping head-to-foot on thin mats or cots, while others were held in cramped processing rooms for over two weeks — with only one toilet that was out in the open. Nicole Widdersheim, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 July 2025 Now that the information leading up to her is ouster out in the open, her lawyers say that O’Brien hopes the public takes the chance to see what has been going on behind closed doors in Boston. Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 23 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for (out) in/into the open

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Cite this Entry

“(out) in/into the open.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28out%29%20in%2Finto%20the%20open. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.

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