ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in and out

idiom
Slang Cockney rhyming slang · East London
Meaning

snout


Origin

As in the nose through which people both inhale and exhale.

Examples
SIMPLE

The delivery driver was only in and out of the house for a minute.

CONTEXTUAL

I have a very busy schedule today, so I will be in and out of the office all afternoon.

COMPLEX

The nurse was in and out of the patient's room throughout the night to monitor his recovery.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    salmon and Trout

    [Cockney slang]snout

© 2026 English Reference