out-and-out

out-and-out (not comparable) (used only before a noun, attributively)

1. Complete, utter.

   He is an out-and-out idiot.

   an out-and-out lie

   • 1998, Douglas Adams, speech at Cambridge, UK.

     I'm sure most of the people in this room will share the same view, but even as an out-and-out atheist one can't help noticing that the role of a god has had an enormously profound impact on human history over many, many centuries.

   • 2024 January 24, Pip Dunn, “Adventure on a GA Class 720 Aventra”, in RAIL, number 1001, page 53:

     And if that is my only criticism, then these trains are pretty well 'specced'. These are an out-and-out commuter train - fast, quiet, and well-designed for their role.

2. (animal husbandry) thoroughly cross-bred; a breeding strategy esp. with poultry where new roosters are circulated yearly to maintain a mongrel flock.

   For my own part I would sooner eat bread-and-cheese and know myself the possessor of an out-and-out horse, than sell him for the privilege of dining with the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen every day in the year.

   • 1840 May, Vol XXI Second Series, The Sporting Magazine:

• altogether
• downright
• through and through
• See also Thesaurus:total

• out-and-outer