nuts and bolts
Americannoun
plural noun
Other Word Forms
- nuts-and-bolts adjective
Etymology
Origin of nuts and bolts
First recorded in 1955–60
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Theo Francis covers how U.S. companies work behind the scenes for The Wall Street Journal, from Washington: executive pay, perks, workplace and retirement, accounting, disclosure — the nuts and bolts most people don't see.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
His focus on nuts and bolts makes him a popular blue governor in a very red state.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026
"Those 10 years at Torness were fundamental to me understanding the nuts and bolts of what a nuclear power station is," she says.
From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026
In turn, those qualities dictate the nuts and bolts of an actual intervention strategy.
From Science Daily • Nov. 26, 2024
As the wheel began to turn, loose nuts and bolts and a couple of wrenches rained from its hub and spokes.
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
