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inside out

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inside out

1. adjective Having the inside part or surface turned outward; reversed. I was in such a rush this morning that I didn't even notice that my pants were inside out!

2. adverb With the inside part or surface turned outward. I had been wearing my shirt inside out all day and nobody bothered to tell me!

3. adverb Thoroughly; down to the last detail. I've read this book inside out again and again, but I still enjoy it every time. I've been studying this material for weeks now, so I know it inside and out.

See also: inside, out

inside out

1. With the inner surface turned out or revealed, as in He wore his shirt inside out. This expression dates from about 1600 and was soon used figuratively, as in He turned the verses inside out and revealed their hidden sense.

2. Extremely well, thoroughly, especially alluding to knowing something. For example, He knows this system inside out. [First half of 1900s]

See also: inside, out

inside out

mod. drunk. Wayne spends every weekend inside out.

See also: inside, out

inside out

1. With the inner surface turned out; reversed: wore the sweatshirt inside out.

2. Informal As completely as possible; thoroughly: knew the city inside out.

See also: inside, out