- The intricate details of a situation, decision, or process.
- The windings of a road or path.
Dictionary:
ins and outs (ĭnz; outs) ![]() |
| Idioms: 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]
| Camera Magic: The Art of Special Effects (1973 Film, TV & Radio Film) | |
| Wait Till Your Mother Gets Home! (1983 Comedy Film) | |
| Paradies (1976 Drama Film) |
Copyrights:
![]() | Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more | |
![]() | Idioms. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
Mentioned in