the ins and outs
plural noun
: the details about how something works or is done
—often + of
I'm still learning all the ins and outs of American politics.
Examples of the ins and outs in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the ins and outs of who did what war crime tend to mushroom beyond belief.
—
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
Learning the ins and outs of building a small log cabin in the woods is no small feat.
—Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 24 Oct. 2024
The memoir spares no details, sharing the ins and outs of his diagnosis and mental state throughout, according to The Sunday Times.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2024
That said, a survey by National Today, which charts the ins and outs of national holidays, came up with a league table of America’s favorite waffle toppings.
—Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the ins and outs 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Oct. 2024
Learning the ins and outs of building a small log cabin in the woods is no small feat.
—Tasha Zemke, Outside Online, 24 Oct. 2024
The memoir spares no details, sharing the ins and outs of his diagnosis and mental state throughout, according to The Sunday Times.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2024
That said, a survey by National Today, which charts the ins and outs of national holidays, came up with a league table of America’s favorite waffle toppings.
—Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the ins and outs
Dictionary Entries Near the ins and outs
Cite this Entry
“The ins and outs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20ins%20and%20outs. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share