out

ins and outs (of something)

the correct and successful way to do something; the special things that one needs to know to do something. I don't understand the ins and outs of politics. Jane knows the ins and outs of repairing computers.

See also: and, INS

on the outs (with someone)

Inf. in a mild dispute with someone; sharing ill will with someone. Tom and Bill are on the outs again. Tom has been on the outs with Bill before. They'll work it out.

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the ins and outs  (informal)

the details or facts about something (usually + of ) I don't know all the ins and outs of the situation but I gather Roger and Mark haven't been getting on too well.

See also: and, INS

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on the outs

not friendly Peter is on the outs with his father.

Usage notes: usually said about people who are not friendly because of having had an argument or disagreement

the ins and outs of something

the details or facts about something In a matter of weeks we all became experts in the ins and outs of airline security. Hong was still learning the ins and outs of the North American market.

See also: and, INS