There are several synonyms for the phrase "in the yards" depending on the context in which the term is used. For example, if referring to a garden or outdoor space, "in the yard" can be used interchangeably with "in the garden", "in the lawn", or "in the backyard". In the context of a railway or shipping yard, "in the yards" may be replaced with "on the tracks", "in the depot", or "at the port". Moreover, "in the yards" can also refer to a sports field or a military training ground, in which case synonyms may include "on the field" or "in the camp". The context of usage determines the most appropriate synonym for this term.