out-and-out

/'autənd'aut/
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out-and-out

The politician told an out-and-out lie to the public.

Definition

Adjective: - Complete, thorough, absolute: Used to emphasize that something is total, complete, or without any doubt or restriction. It often has a negative connotation, describing something bad or extreme in its nature.

Usage

"Out-and-out" is used as an adjective before a noun to provide strong emphasis. It means that the noun it describes is an extreme or perfect example, often in a negative sense. It is a somewhat informal intensifier.

Examples
  • That was an out-and-out lie. (That was a complete and total lie.)
  • The project was an out-and-out failure from the start.
  • He is an out-and-out scoundrel who cannot be trusted.
  • The celebration turned into out-and-out chaos.
Advanced Usage
  • "out-and-out" as an intensifier: The phrase functions to intensify the noun it modifies, stressing its extreme or unambiguous nature.
    • Her performance was not just good; it was out-and-out brilliance.
Variants and Related Words
  • Downright (adj./adv.): Complete and direct, often used similarly before nouns or adjectives.
    • That was a downright insult.
  • Absolute (adj.): Complete and total.
  • Sheer (adj.): Used to emphasize the complete, unqualified nature of something.
    • It was sheer luck that we survived.
  • Rank (adj.): Complete and unmistakable (usually negative).
    • He is a rank amateur.
Synonyms
  • Complete
  • Total
  • Utter
  • Unmitigated
  • Arrant (literary)
Related Phrases
  • Through and through: Completely, in every aspect. (This is an adverbial phrase, not a direct synonym as an adjective).
    • He is a villain through and through.
Notes
  • "Out-and-out" is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun.
  • It is less common in formal writing and more frequent in spoken or informal contexts for strong emphasis.
out-and-out

The politician told an out-and-out lie to the public.

Adjective
  1. complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers
    • absolute freedom
    • an absolute dimwit
    • a downright lie
    • out-and-out mayhem
    • an out-and-out lie
    • a rank outsider
    • many right-down vices
    • got the job through sheer persistence
    • sheer stupidity

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