out in the open
out in the open
1. Exposed and visible to others in an open space or area. We can't stop the convoy here, we're right out in the open. We could be attacked at any minute!
2. By extension, available for public viewing, participation, or experience. We all knew their marriage was failing, but it wasn't until their kids left for college that they brought that fact out in the open. Our agency will not rest until the truth is out in the open!
See also: open, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
*out in the open
1. Lit. visible in an open space; exposed in an open area. (*Typically: be ~; bring something ~; come ~; get ~; get something ~.) The trucks are out in the open where we can see them. They came out in the open.
2. Fig. [for something] to be public knowledge. (*Typically: be ~; bring something ~; get ~; get something ~.) Is this matter out in the open, or is it still secret? Let's get this out in the open and discuss it.
See also: open, out
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
out in the open
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]
See also: open, out
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- open the way for (one)
- open house
- open your mouth
- not open (one's) mouth
- not open mouth
- not open one's mouth
- burst open
- an open book, he/she is (like an)
- be an open book
- throw open