ins and outs

noun
1.
physical characteristics, as windings and turnings, nooks, or recesses:
the ins and outs of a subterranean passage.
2.
intricacies; particulars; peculiarities:
the ins and outs of the tax laws.
Origin
1880-85
Examples from the web for ins and outs
  • Her focused determination and dedication to the ins and outs of prepping seemed all the more remarkable.
  • He detailed the ins and outs of the life of the spaghetti farmer and anticipated questions about how spaghetti grows on trees.
  • The lack of a user manual makes learning the ins and outs of the device a slow process.
  • To somebody who doesn't follow the ins and outs of testing, the events of the past couple of weeks might seem contradictory.
  • And she's not through yet: she then reviews a semester's worth of science, including the ins and outs of the circulatory system.
  • Most people aren't that interested in the ins and outs of rolling stock purchases, though.
  • The ins and outs of the story sometimes felt a bit too random.
  • Interview season is upon us, so now is a good time to review the ins and outs of that piece of the hiring process.
  • Knows the ins and outs of his position after also playing defense.
  • The ins and outs, quirks and curiosities of a city can take many years to learn.
Idioms and Phrases with ins and outs

ins and outs

.
The intricate details of a situation or process. For example, It takes a newcomer some time to learn the ins and outs of the legislative process, or David really knows the ins and outs of how this engine works. This usage alludes to the tortuous windings and turnings of a road or path. [ Second half of 1600s ]
.
Those with position and influence and those without, especially those in office versus those who are not, as in “Juan stood well both with Ins and Outs” (Byron, Don Juan, 1823). [ Mid-1700s ]