where's the beef?

Idioms  

1. Also, what's the beef ? What is the source of a complaint, as in Where's the beef? No one was hurt in the accident . This usage employs beef in the sense of a “complaint” or “grudge,” also appearing in the phrase have no beef with , meaning “have no quarrel with.” [ Slang ; late 1800s]

2. Where is the content or substance, as in That was a very articulate speech, but where's the beef? This usage was originally the slogan for a television commercial for a hamburger chain attacking the poor quality of rival chains. (1984) The phrase was almost immediately transferred to other kinds of substance, especially in politics.

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Example Sentences

Those wondering where’s the beef on the offensive and defensive lines — Biggins said it’s usually smart to have four players per class at each position — probably only need to wait.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 14, 2021

“People need to see where’s the beef and you know proof of the pudding,” Diermeier said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2020

“People need to see where’s the beef and you know proof of the pudding,” Diermeier said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 9, 2020

So, as Washington politicos used to say, where's the beef?

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2019

Two years into the Mike Shanahan era with the Washington Redskins, the pressing question is, where’s the beef?

From Washington Post • Jan. 3, 2012