on the outside
1. In external appearance or demeanor, as opposed to the true or inner nature. Other people's families always seem close and stable on the outside, but they all have their own dysfunctions and difficulties. Wow, on the outside he seems so confident and successful. I didn't realize he had been struggling with so much debt.
2. Free from or outside of prison. If you've spent enough time behind bars, life on the outside can be overwhelming.