come out in the open

come out in the open

1. To move into an open space or area that is exposed and visible to others. We'll wait for the enemy to come out in the open before we launch our attack. Nah, I wouldn't want to be famous. I enjoy being able to come out into the open without being hounded by fans and paparazzi. Once we come out into the open, we can't stop the convoy—we have to keep moving.

2. By extension, to have been revealed or uncovered for others to know, see, experience, etc. Now that details of the legislation have come out in the open, many people are questioning who had a hand in crafting it. We hold these meetings every week so that any concerns or frustrations of our team members can come out in the open. We all suspected that their marriage was failing, but it wasn't until their kids left for college that it all came out in the open.

See also: come, open, out

come out in(to) the open

1. To leave a hiding place. We're surrounded by enemy troops, so it's too dangerous to come out into the open right now. The cat is still hiding under the couch. Food, treats, and toys have not enticed her to come out in the open. I think leaving the ransom money is the perfect way to get the kidnapper to come out into the open and show his face.

2. To appear in public after a period of reclusion. This event is the first time the young starlet has come out in the open since announcing her divorce. A: "Has anyone seen George lately?" B: "As far as I know, he still hasn't come out into the open since his wife's funeral." I don't like to come in the open for these award shows, but I guess I have to if I'm getting a Lifetime Achievement Award.

See also: come, open, out

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

come out in(to) the open

 and come (out) into the open 

1. Lit. [for someone or something] to move from a concealed position to an open area. Sooner or later, she will have to come out in the open. The deer finally came into the open.

2. Fig. [for someone who has been hiding] to appear in public. The thief came out into the open and was recognized by one of the witnesses to the crime. The FBI agents finally came into the open.

See also: come, open, out

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.