brass tacks

American  

noun

Informal.

1. the most fundamental considerations; essentials; realities (usually used in the phraseget down to brass tacks ).

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brass tacks British  

plural noun

1. informal  basic realities; hard facts (esp in the phrase get down to brass tacks )

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Etymology

Origin of brass tacks

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

“Let’s get down to brass tacks: It’s too expensive to live here.”

From Los Angeles Times

His plays demonstrate a fierce effort to get down to brass tacks.

From Los Angeles Times

When it comes down to brass tacks, "natalists" like Musk seem only interested in raising birth rates in the most inhumane way possible, by force.

From Salon

“The major work will happen in the months ahead, when we’ll get down to brass tacks and craft a responsible and balanced budget which will help make California more livable and affordable.”

From Los Angeles Times

But when it came to brass tacks, to financial compensation, they were not.

From BBC