Pronunciation: [a͡ʊtsˈa͡ɪd ðə ɡˈe͡ɪts] (IPA) 
The phrase "outside the gates" is spelled as /ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə ɡeɪts/. The word "outside" is pronounced with an initial /aʊt/ diphthong, followed by a /s/ sound and ending with a /d/ sound. "The" is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative /ð/ and "gates" with a /ɡ/ sound and a final /z/ sound. This phrase is commonly used to refer to areas outside of a specific location, often a gated community or a castle.
"Outside the gates" refers to the area that lies beyond the boundaries or entrance of a particular controlled or restricted place, such as a building complex, institution, or a walled city. It denotes the space outside the immediate vicinity that is typically open to the public or less restricted than the enclosed area itself.
The term can be applied to various contexts. In ancient times, cities were often protected by gates that acted as a physical barrier to control access and defend against potential threats. "Outside the gates" referred to the area beyond these gates, where people who were not residents of the city lived or where trade and commerce took place.
In modern usage, "outside the gates" can also refer to the area surrounding an educational institution or a corporate complex, highlighting the distinction between the immediate premises and the external area. It implies that external influences, such as public opinion or societal norms, may have less impact or control over the activities and operations within the gates.
Furthermore, "outside the gates" can figuratively represent a state of exclusion or separation from a particular group or organization. It suggests a division between those who are part of the inner circle, enjoying certain privileges and benefits, and those who are not included.
Overall, the term "outside the gates" describes the region or condition beyond a specific boundary, whether physical, figurative, or metaphorical, signifying the separation between different areas, groups, or realms.
