nitty-gritty

American  

[nit-ee-grit-ee] / ˈnɪt iˈgrɪt i /

noun

1. the essential substance or details of a matter; basics; crux.

   Let's skip the chitchat and get down to the nitty-gritty.

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adjective

1. fundamental, detailed, or probing.

   nitty-gritty questions.

2. direct and practical.

   nitty-gritty advice; a nitty-gritty system.

nitty-gritty British  

/ ˈnɪtɪˈɡrɪtɪ /

noun

1. informal the basic facts of a matter, situation, etc; the core

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Etymology

Origin of nitty-gritty

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; rhyming compound of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nitty-gritty

“It’s like: Wait a minute, you’re starting to lose me on the nitty-gritty of this.”

From Slate ● Aug. 19, 2026

While Brussels is setting out the nitty-gritty of the reforms it wants from Magyar, leaders will also be pushing for a new approach on Ukraine.

From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026

Keep the nitty-gritty of your plans to your financial manager and attorney — but explain the spirit of the plans to your kids.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 6, 2026

Students learn why they exist—and nitty-gritty issues such as deductions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 8, 2026

The video was about yarn structure, which probably wasn’t interesting to most people, but the knitters who subscribed to Grandma’s YouTube channel loved the nitty-gritty details.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows