out-and-out

IPA/ˌaʊt ən ˈaʊt/
IPA/ˌaʊt ən ˈaʊt/

out-and-out — adjective

1. used before a noun to say someone or something is clearly and completely the bad

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

used before a noun to say someone or something is clearly and completely the bad kind named by that noun

Example

The report exposed an out-and-out lie at the heart of the election.

out-and-out + lie for total dishonesty

For Nia, the sudden price jump was an out-and-out scam.

predicative frame: be + an out-and-out scam

Common collocations
  • out-and-out lie
  • out-and-out scam
  • out-and-out cheat
  • out-and-out threat
  • out-and-out insult
Synonyms
  • outright

    the closest everyday alternative; works for strong negative judgments and for direct refusals or bans

  • utter

    often used before strongly negative nouns, but sounds more emotional

  • sheer

    can also mean complete, but it often focuses on degree rather than blame

Grammar Patterns

out-and-out + noun

Usage Note

Usually placed before strongly negative nouns such as lie, scam, cheat, threat, or insult. Speakers use it to remove any doubt that the judgment is fully negative, not partial or softened.

Common Mistakes

The manager was out-and-out.
The manager was an out-and-out cheat.
The phrase normally modifies a noun that names the bad quality, rather than standing alone after 'be'.

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words can strengthen a judgment, but they do not sound the same. 'Out-and-out' is especially useful when you want to say a person or thing fully deserves a negative label: an out-and-out liar, an out-and-out scam. 'Outright' is the closest everyday alternative and works in more settings, including direct refusals or bans. 'Utter' is common before strongly negative nouns, but it sounds more emotional. 'Sheer' can also mean 'complete', yet it often emphasizes degree more than blame. Compare 'an out-and-out cheat' with 'an outright ban'.

out-and-out ↗outright ↗utter ↗sheer ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • an out-and-out lie
  • an out-and-out scam
  • an out-and-out cheat