cut off from the (outside) world
1. Literally, completely separated from people outside of a given group or space. Prison inmates, especially those in solitary confinement, face an extraordinary pressure on their psyche from being cut off from the outside world for so long. The tiny rural village, cut off from the world up in the mountains, developed a dialect and manner totally unique from the rest of the region.
2. Figuratively, isolated from broad and/or meaningful outside engagement or interaction. Their research, while promising, is flawed in that it is cut off from the outside world, so its effects on the greater population are only speculative at best. Art—good art, anyway—is never cut off from the world; it is totally enmeshed in the people and culture around it.
detached from the (outside) world
Psychologically, emotionally, intellectually, or physically separated from the people, influence, or average thinking of the outside world. He just keeps to himself, never talking to anyone, like he's detached from the world. He builds all of his policies from theory and what he studied in books—it's all completely detached from the outside world. The tiny rural village, totally detached from the outside world, developed a dialect and manner totally unique to the rest of the region.
get outside (of) (something)
To fully and heartily consume food or a beverage. I'd love to get outside of a fat, juicy steak right about now. I can't wait to finish work and get outside a few pints.
out(side) (of) (someone's) wheelhouse
Against, outside of, or not matching someone's general interests, abilities, or area of familiarity; outside of someone's comfort zone. It's clear, however, that the political implications of this issue are well outside the author's wheelhouse. Jeff generally doesn't date women outside of his wheelhouse. You need to get out of your wheelhouse and live on the wild side for a change!
on the outside chance
Because there is a very slight, remote, or unlikely possibility (that something may happen or be the case). (A less common variant of "on the off chance.") You'll probably need to replace your washing machine, but on the outside chance that I can fix it, let me open it up and take a look. I don't think Jack would go on a date with me, but on the outside chance that he says yes, I'm going to ask him anyway!
outside chance
A slight, remote, or unlikely possibility. The washing machine is probably busted, but there's an outside chance I might be able to fix what's wrong with it. I don't think Jack would go on a date with me, but on the outside chance that he says yes, I'm going to ask him anyway!
outside the box
Outside of or beyond what is considered usual, traditional, or conventional. I've been trying to think outside of the box about what I want this term paper to be about. I know the professor hates unoriginal ideas. OK, team, we need some ideas that are really outside the box if we're going to impress the CEO!
the outside world
The people, culture, ideas, or experiences beyond an enclosed, sheltered, or remote place, situation or environment. Being raised out on the farm meant Jacob had little knowledge of the outside world. Anthropologists came upon an indigenous society that had had no previous contact with the outside world.
color outside the lines
To think or act in a way that does not conform to set rules. Likened to the way a child might color outside the lines of a coloring book. My coworkers don't always understand my ideas, especially since I like to color outside the lines. Don't be surprised if Janet shows up wearing something bizarre—she really likes to color outside the lines.
nothing is so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse
Riding a horse is very calming. A: "He's been so stressed lately that I think a week at the ranch will really serve him well." B: "Of course. Nothing is so good for the inside of a man as the outside of a horse."
on the outside, looking in
Excluded from something that one wanted to participate in. All of my friends were invited to the biggest party of the year, and here I am, on the outside, looking in. We need to win some games, or else we'll be on the outside looking in during the playoffs.
take it outside
To exit an indoor location. Usually said as an imperative to people who are being disruptive. Quit playing football in the house! Take it outside! Take it outside, fellas—no fighting in the bar.
at most
At the maximum. The beach really isn't far away—at most, it should take us an hour to get there. I hope you're not disappointed in your dance—I only saw two mistakes at most.
at the (very) outside
At the most. The traffic wasn't that bad, so I think I'll only be 15 minutes late at the very outside. What do you think tuition will cost at the outside?
at (the) most
no more than the amount mentioned. A: How far away is the beach? B: Ten miles at most. At the most, there were only 15 people in the audience.
at the (very) outside
at the very most. The car repairs will cost $300 at the very outside. I'm now on my way and I'll be there in three hours at the outside.
fall outside something
to be beyond someone's power, responsibility, or jurisdiction. This matter falls outside my bailiwick. Her offense fell outside of the manager's jurisdiction.
outside of something
except for something; besides something. Outside of the cost of my laundry, I have practically no expenses. Outside of some new shoes, I don't need any new clothing.
stand outside (of) (something)
to remain outside of a place, standing. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) Judy stood outside the shop, waiting for it to open. How long have you been standing outside the door in this cold wind?
step out
(of something) 1. to go out of a place. she stepped out of the house without a coat and nearly froze to death. Jamie stepped out and got wet in the rain.
2. to take one step to get out of pants of some type that have been dropped. He stepped out of his pants and pulled off his shirt. He dropped his pants and stepped out.
step out (on someone)
to be unfaithful to a spouse or lover. Jeff has been stepping out on Judy. I was not stepping out!
step outside
1. to go outside, as if to get some fresh air. I need to step outside for a minute to get a breath of air. Tom and Harry stepped outside for a moment.
2. to go outside to fight or settle an argument. I find that insulting. Would you care to step outside? Max invited Lefty to step outside.
think outside the box
Fig. to think freely, not bound by old, nonfunctional, or limiting structures, rules, or practices. (As if thinking or creativity were confined in or limited by a figurative box. Compare this with think inside the box.) You won't come up with good ideas until you think outside the box. Let's think outside the box for a minute and try to find a better solution.
at most
Also,
at the most or at the outside . At the largest amount, the furthest limit; also, in the most extreme case. For example,
She'll be finished in two weeks at the most, or
It'll take two weeks at the outside, or
At most the chef uses a tiny bit of pepper. The terms with
most date from the 1300s;
at the outside from the mid-1800s. Also see
at best.
at the outside
outside of
Except for, aside from, as in Outside of a little lipstick, she wore no makeup. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]
step out
1. Walk briskly, as in He stepped out in time to the music. [c. 1800]
2. Also, step outside. Go outside briefly, as in He just stepped out for a cigarette. [First half of 1500s]
3. Go out for an evening of entertainment, as in They're stepping out again tonight.
4. step out with. Accompany or consort with a person as when going on a date, as in She's been stepping out with him for a month. [Colloquial; early 1900s]