in the open

(out) in the open

1. Exposed and visible to others in an unenclosed or outdoor space. We can't stop the convoy here—we're right out in the open. We could be attacked at any minute! Back in my hometown, you could leave your car unlocked and in the open all night long. In the big city, it would be robbed within an hour. It's too hot to have our picnic just out in the open like this—we need some shade!

2. By extension, revealed or uncovered for others to know, see, experience, etc. 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 in the open! A: "Now that everything is out in the open, do you think Jenny will be able to forgive me?" B: "Unfortunately, only time will tell."

See also: open

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

*in the open

in the outdoors; in an area that is not closed in. (*Typically: be ~; put something ~.) John's bike was stolen because he left it out in the open. Mary loves gardening because she loves to be in the open.

See also: open

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

in (or into) the open

1 out of doors; not under cover. 2 not subject to concealment or obfuscation; made public.

See also: open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

(out) in(to) the ˈopen

no longer/not hidden or secret: The whole banking scandal came into the open after somebody found some confidential documents on a train.

See also: open

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017