inside out

Thân thiện

She turned the shirt inside out before washing it.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Thoroughly; with complete knowledge or understanding: Refers to knowing something in every detail, from all perspectives.
   • With the inner surface turned to face the outside: Refers to the state of a garment or container where its interior is on the exterior.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Thoroughly):
  • She knows the company's procedures inside out.
  • After years of study, he understands the engine inside out.
• Adverb (With the inside facing outward):
  • He wore his sweater inside out by mistake.
  • Turn the bag inside out to clean it properly.

Advanced Usage

• "To turn something inside out": This phrase can be used literally, as in the examples above, or figuratively to mean to search something thoroughly or to change its nature completely.
  • The detective turned the apartment inside out looking for clues. (Figurative: searched thoroughly)
  • The new policy has turned our department inside out. (Figurative: changed it completely)

Variants and Related Words

• Inside-out (Adjective): Used to describe something that is in the state of having its inside facing out.
  • He was walking around with an inside-out t-shirt.

Synonyms

• Backwards: For the meaning related to clothing (e.g., ).
• Thoroughly, Completely, Exhaustively: For the meaning of complete knowledge (e.g., ).

Related Idioms

• "Know something like the back of one's hand": A synonym for knowing something inside out (thoroughly).
  • As a local guide, she knows the city like the back of her hand.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. thoroughly; from every perspective
   • she knows this town inside out
2. with the inside facing outward
   • she turned the shirt inside out