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

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases

ins and outs

  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]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
00:10
Ins and outs is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
Example sentences
The ins and outs, quirks and curiosities of a city can take many years to learn.
He detailed the ins and outs of the life of the spaghetti farmer and
  anticipated questions about how spaghetti grows on trees.
The ins and outs of the story sometimes felt a bit too random.
It's a handy tool for adoptive parents-to-be or for those who simply want to
  learn the ins and outs.
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