nuts and bolts

noun

1. the essential or basic aspects:

   to learn the nuts and bolts of a new job.

nuts and bolts

plural noun

1. informal.
   the essential or practical details

Other Words From

• nuts-and-bolts adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuts and bolts¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Many of them seem to take greater interest in aviation than in the nuts-and-bolts of corporate operations.

From The Daily Beast

He was perceived as inspiring, but not really connecting to working people in a nuts-and-bolts kind of way.

From The Daily Beast

If the issue of the day is jobs and the economy, Rick Perry is certainly the nuts-and-bolts kind of guy you want in there.

From The Daily Beast

So if you find yourself with extra time in August, here is the perfect nuts-and-bolts guide to designing your own book.

From The Daily Beast