Definitions

meat and potatoes

NOUN

fundamental parts

Synonyms

WEAK

basis bottom line essence gist gravamen guts name of the game nitty-gritty nuts and bolts score substance

ADJECTIVE

of fundamental importance

Synonyms

STRONG

basic bottom-line essential fundamental indispensable primary/prime radical underlying vital

WEAK

bottom lowermost nethermost undermost

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.

"Staples like bread, meat and potatoes all cost more than they did even a month ago," says Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at investment platform AJ Bell.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

Pairing it with a simple side of partially mashed chickpeas will satisfy that meat and potatoes guy in your life for Father’s Day.

From Washington Times • Jun. 14, 2023

Rachael Ray’s ending her longtime talk show after more than a decade, but food content will still be her meat and potatoes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2023

In 2020, Taste of Home published a list of "39 recipes husbands can't get enough of," including some real "meat and potatoes" fare like beef chimichangas and burgers with grilled cheese sandwiches as buns.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2023

Mrs. Baxter gave us green beans and this thing with meat and potatoes all mixed together.

From "The Red Umbrella" by Christina Gonzalez

meat and potatoes

Example Sentences

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