brass tacks

brass tacks
the most fundamental considerations; essentials; realities (usually used in the phrase get down to brass tacks).
[1895-1900]

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Brass tacks — is an object used in the popular expression get down to brass tacks .The expression usually means clearing out confusing details and finding out the real facts about something. The etymology of the expression is unclear. It may have roots in the… …   Wikipedia

  • brass-tacks — (brăsʹtăks ) adj. Informal Concerned with essential matters; practical: a brass tacks leader. * * * …   Universalium

  • brass tacks — If you get down to brass tacks, you get down to the real business …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • brass tacks — ☆ brass tacks n. Informal basic facts; practical details: chiefly in the phrase get (or come) down to brass tacks …   English World dictionary

  • brass tacks — brass′ tacks′ n. pl. inf the most fundamental considerations; essentials; realities • Etymology: 1895–1900 …   From formal English to slang

  • brass tacks — n. essential business. (Usually in get down to brass tacks.) □ Now that we are talking brass tacks, how much do you really want for this watch? □ Since we haven’t gotten down to brass tacks, would it be unethical for me to buy you lunch? …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • brass tacks — /bras ˈtæks/ (say brahs taks) plural noun Colloquial basic facts; realities: *Come down to brass tacks, the world was like that but mercifully we had to have illusion to go on living –christina stead, 1944. {US (19th century); ? from the brass… …  

  • brass tacks — noun plural : details of immediate practical importance this monograph has little to reward the tough minded reader, in the habit of searching for brass tacks Stanley Newman usually used in the phrase get down to brass tacks …   Useful english dictionary

  • brass tacks — See: GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • brass tacks — See: GET DOWN TO BRASS TACKS …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • brass tacks — noun plural Date: 1895 details of immediate practical importance usually used in the phrase get down to brass tacks …   New Collegiate Dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”