Question

in_the_loop_421 to be familiar with the details and hidden meanings of an activity or situation Compare to: know the ropes

Accepted Answer

KNOW THE INS AND OUTS When you travel to a foreign country, it is wise to hire a guide if you don’t know the ins and outs of the place.American businesses often hire host country nationals to help them do business in foreign countries because the host country nationals know the ins and outs of doing business with their own countrymen. Know the ropes is more frequently used to describe knowing the procedures to follow in a situation (knowing how to do something), whereas know the ins and outs more often describes the complex and hidden details of a situation.

Id	in_the_loop_421
Idiom	KNOW THE INS AND OUTS
Definition	to be familiar with the details and hidden meanings of an activity or situation
Examples	When you travel to a foreign country, it is wise to hire a guide if you don’t know the ins and outs of the place. American businesses often hire host country nationals to help them do business in foreign countries because the host country nationals know the ins and outs of doing business with their own countrymen.
Cross-Refs	Compare to: know the ropes
Extra Info	Know the ropes is more frequently used to describe knowing the procedures to follow in a situation (knowing how to do something), whereas know the ins and outs more often describes the complex and hidden details of a situation.

Ins Outs Details Hidden Situation Foreign Hire Host