# in and out

idiom · Slang

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/in-and-out
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

snout

## Examples

- The delivery driver was only in and out of the house for a minute.
- I have a very busy schedule today, so I will be in and out of the office all afternoon.
- The nurse was in and out of the patient's room throughout the night to monitor his recovery.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.