In-and-out

subs. (colloquial).—The detail or intricacies of a matter; generally in pl., e.g., To know all the INS-AND-OUTS of a matter.

  Adv. (racing).—1.  Unequal; variable: applied to the performances of a horse which runs well one day, and on another not.

  1885.  Referee, 26 April, p. 1, col. 2. Now and again IN-AND-OUT running on the part of a horse subjects his owner to considerable annoyance.

  1888.  The Sportsman, 28 Nov. It is best if possible to overlook IN-AND-OUT running, or variation of form.

  TO PLAY AT IN-AND-OUT, verb. phr. (venery).—To copulate. For synonyms, see GREENS and RIDE.

  1620.  PERCY, Folio MSS., p. 93. ‘Walking in a Meadow Green.’