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3. out in the open

out in the open

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*out in the open

 

1. Lit. visible in an open space; exposed in an open area. (*Typically: be ~; bring something ~; come ~; get ~; get something ~.) The trucks are out in the open where we can see them. They came out in the open.

2. Fig. [for something] to be public knowledge. (*Typically: be ~; bring something ~; get ~; get something ~.) Is this matter out in the open, or is it still secret? Let's get this out in the open and discuss it.

See also: open, out

out in the open

Also, out into the open. In or into public view or knowledge, as in I wish he wouldn't talk behind our backs but bring his complaints out in the open, or It's important to bring the merger plans out into the open. This term uses open to mean "an unconcealed state." [c. 1940]

See also: open, out