The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

In \In\, n.

   Note: [Usually in the plural.]
   1. One who is in office; -- the opposite of out.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A re["e]ntrant angle; a nook or corner.
      [1913 Webster]

   Ins and outs,
      (a) nooks and corners; twists and turns.
      (b) the peculiarities or technicalities (of a subject);
          intricacies; details; -- used with of; as, he knew the
          ins and outs of the Washington power scene.
          [1913 Webster +PJC]

                All the ins and outs of this neighborhood. --D.
                                                  Jerrold.
          [1913 Webster]

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

22 Moby Thesaurus words for "ins and outs":
   chain of circumstances, chain reaction, chapter of accidents,
   circumstances, concatenation of events, context, details,
   environment, existing conditions, feast and famine,
   full particulars, minutiae, particulars, ropes, set of conditions,
   status quo, total situation, ups and downs, vicious circle,
   vicissitudes, vicissitudes of fortune, whole picture