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.

"She got the diet just right for Middle England - meat and potatoes, all the greens in the right place. And sponge pudding to follow. It's comfortable and regular. Sometimes you'll even enjoy it."

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2025

There’s the satisfying meat and potatoes of exploration at Castle Ensis, with vertiginous balustrades and winding ramparts that cross over and under themselves in impossible architectural configurations.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2024

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

He would ask the hard questions and just get into the real meat and potatoes of what a person is.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 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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