out in the open

USAGE SUMMARY

"out in the open" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is visible and exposed to the public, and doesn't have any secret or hidden elements. For example, "She felt liberated now that all of her secrets were out in the open."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's out in the open now.

The New Yorker

The hoarding was out in the open.

The New York Times

These moves were out in the open.

The New Yorker

Now, everything is out in the open.

The New York Times

This shit is out in the open.

The New Yorker

It's out in the open".

The New York Times

Linen out in the open".

The Guardian

Now we're all out in the open.

The New York Times

He never napped out in the open".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That's just out-in-the-open illegality," he said.

Los Angeles Times

Now it's just wide-out in the open".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "out in the open" when you want to emphasize that something is no longer secret or hidden and is now public knowledge or easily visible.

Common error

Avoid using "out in the open" interchangeably with phrases like "in the clear" if you want to specifically highlight visibility rather than freedom from suspicion or danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "out in the open" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which something is done or the state in which something exists. Ludwig examples show it emphasizes visibility or lack of concealment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "out in the open" is a very common prepositional phrase that describes something which is no longer hidden or secret and is now public knowledge or easily visible. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It is grammatically correct, versatile across various contexts, and frequently found in news and media sources. Related phrases include "publicly", "openly", and "in plain sight", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using this phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys the sense of revelation or visibility you intend. Use it to stress the transition from concealment to exposure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

openly

Directly conveys the state of being accessible and not concealed.

in plain sight

Stresses that something is easily visible and not hidden.

publicly

Focuses on the action being done in view of the public.

in full view

Emphasizes the complete visibility of something.

unconcealed

Focuses on the absence of any attempt to hide something.

overtly

Emphasizes the undisguised and unconcealed nature of something.

transparently

Highlights the clarity and lack of hidden agendas or information.

above board

Indicates honesty and legitimacy, without any deception.

on display

Highlights the act of being exhibited or shown to others.

without reservation

Indicates that something is expressed or done freely and honestly.

FAQs

How can I use "out in the open" in a sentence?

You can use "out in the open" to describe something that is no longer hidden or secret. For example, "The truth is finally "out in the open"."

What's a good alternative to "out in the open"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "openly", "publicly", or "transparently".

When is it appropriate to use "out in the open" instead of "public"?

"Out in the open" implies that something was previously concealed or not widely known, whereas "public" simply refers to something accessible to everyone. For example, "The affair became "out in the open"" suggests it was once a secret, while "a public park" indicates general accessibility.

Is "in the open" the same as "out in the open"?

While similar, "out in the open" emphasizes the act of something becoming known or visible after being hidden. "In the open" can simply mean something is not concealed, without necessarily implying a previous state of secrecy. Therefore, using "out in the open" carries a stronger connotation of revelation.