ins and outs

American  

plural 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.

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ins and outs Idioms  

1. 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]

2. 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]

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Etymology

Origin of ins and outs

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Still, “Ponies” is obviously less interested in the granular ins and outs of gadgets, codes and dead drops than it is in the personal motivations of those involved and the moral morass that is the Cold War.

From Los Angeles Times

And even though I knew the ins and outs of such hokum, I was still impressed.

From Literature

He founded his non-profit website in 1998, which tracked the ins and outs of the financial sector and gave him a platform.

From Barron's

JOP prides himself in teaching his artists the ins and outs of the music industry, including negotiation skills he wishes he’d learned at the start of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

He argues that it takes time to research and know the ins and outs of each category and each particular collectible.

From MarketWatch