out in the open

Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. out in the open meaning, in what situations is it used?

Meaning of "out in the open"

Meaning

To be ‘out in the open’ is to make something known or visible, usually in a public place or setting. It is used to describe the kind of attitude or behaviour that is direct, honest and transparent. It can also refer to a situation that is difficult or embarrassing and is thus discussed openly.

Etymology

The phrase ‘out in the open’ has been used since the 16th century, with the first known usage appearing in a 1557 Middle English translation of the Bible. The phrase ‘out in the open’ is derived from the Old English phrase ‘eope open,’ which originally meant ‘widely spread or exposed to the elements’. The phrase is often used in a figurative sense, to denote something being declared openly and transparently.

Usage

The phrase ‘out in the open’ is usually used to describe a situation which is discussed or revealed in a public manner. It is usually used to emphasize the openness and honesty of the discussion, or to show that the situation is exposed and cannot be hidden. In modern usage, the phrase is often used in the context of political or social scandal, to describe when the full details of a story are made public.

Example Sentences

• The politician chose to put the controversy ‘out in the open’, in an effort to be transparent and honest with the public.
• The couple decided to talk about their problems ‘out in the open’, in the hope that it would help them resolve them.
• The couple finally decided to put the scandal ‘out in the open’, and the media had a field day with the news.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.