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

Brand names such as Mercedes and Audi might conjure up images of wide-open autobahns, but when it comes to Formula One, the real nitty-gritty happens in Brackley and Bicester.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 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

His advice is to really get into the nitty-gritty of what might go wrong with the vehicle and how much repairs might cost.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 17, 2026

The nitty-gritty details of the historical event itself might slip in and out of my brain like water through a screen, but this, this I could do.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin