Have you ever had that feeling that you ate something that just doesn’t agree with you? Well, sometimes, throwing up may be the right course of action. Perhaps you are angry at something your coworker did and you decide to go off on the spot. Like my grandma would say, it’s better out than in. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase better out than in I always say means sometimes letting your feelings out is better than bottling them up inside. In many cases, the phrase literally means that letting out something bad you ingested is healthier than trying to keep it down. The phrase can also mean that letting out your emotions, thoughts, or even your physical tension is better than trying to keep things hidden and buried inside.
In the original version of the saying, it was intended that sick tenants be evicted instead of spreading disease in the home. So in that way, the phrase meant it's better to have an empty house than one filled with sickness.
Example Usage
“It is better to let out those toxic feelings instead of letting them fester and turn into resentment, You know, it’s better out than in I always say”.
“Did you see how Shirley exploded on her husband?! It’s better out than in I always say, at least now he knows he she feels”.
“When my boss asked me why I shared so much information with the new hires, I replied, that it’s better out than in I always say”.
“Do you want to see what happens when you have years of complaints bottled up? It’s better out than in I always say, and you will feel better letting out too”.
Origin
The phrase its better out than in has been around since at least the 1800s, but most likely was created even earlier. There is no exact point of reference for when the phrase was created, however, the colloquial form of the phrase referred to avoiding sick tenants when renting out an abode.
More modern references attribute the phrase to the famed impressionist Paul Cezanne, who hosted an art installation with the title. The art show features paintings both inside and outside of the building as an ode to the name of the event.
Other sources list the phrase as simply an old proverb that was passed down verbally that really has no substance. In actuality, there is no logic behind the phrase. Most often it is spoken following the passing of wind, the utterance of inner thoughts, or the expulsion of the stomach contents.
Phrases Similar to Better Out Than In I Always Say
- Let it all out
- Unburden
- Confession is good for the soul
- It is better to get ahead
- From pillar to post
Phrases Opposite to Better Out Than In I Always Say
- Hold your peace
- Withstand
- Maintain silence
- Internalize
What is the Correct Saying?
The proper way to say the phrase is - It’s better out than in.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Better Out Than In I Always Say
Some ways that it’s better out than in I always say is misused are:
- I hate how these kids keep opening the door, but it’s better out than in I always say.
Ways People May Correctly Say Better Out Than In I Always Say
Some ways that it’s better out than in I always say is used correctly are:
- I am not sure why you overate, now you are throwing up all over the place. Oh well, it’s better out than in I always say.
- Try to limit how much you drink and you won’t have such a bad hangover. Anyhow, it's better out than in I always say, so puke your guts out.
- Avoiding the problem will never help you find a lasting solution. Instead, talk to your partner about your concerns. It's better out than in I always say, and that way things have a real chance of getting fixed.