out-and-out

out-and-out (not comparable) (attributively)

1. Complete, utter.

   Synonyms: all-out, downright, flat-out, outright; see also Thesaurus:total

   He is an out-and-out idiot.

   an out-and-out lie

   • 1983 December 10, Mike Riegle, quoting Lorrie Ong and Jackie Jackson, “Sexual Politics of "Crime": Inside and Out”, in Gay Community News, volume 11, number 21, page 5:

     We are singled out for meetings by other heterosexaul ^[sic] women, approved by the superintendent, to gripe about us as lesbians. They are trying to change us, to pick our brains and force their beliefs on us. It is out and out abuse.

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

     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.

• out-and-outer