the meat and potatoes

the meat and potatoes

The most basic or fundamental aspects of something. Too much information will overwhelm the new hire, so just give him the meat and potatoes. The meat and potatoes of this game is keeping possession of the ball.
See also: and, meat, potato

meat and potatoes

The fundamental part or parts of something, as in This paragraph is the meat and potatoes of the contract. This metaphoric term transfers what some regard as basic fare to the basics of an issue. [Mid-1900s]
See also: and, meat, potato

meat and potatoes

INFORMAL
The meat and potatoes of something are the most important and basic things about it or parts of it. American workwear is the meat and potatoes of off-duty clothing. The real meat and potatoes of any auto show is in the cars and trucks people can buy now.
See also: and, meat, potato

meat and potatoes

ordinary but fundamental things; basic ingredients.
1993 New York Times Mainstream rock acts like Van Halen and Bruce Springsteen are the meat and potatoes of A.O.R.
See also: and, meat, potato

meat and potatoes

Informal
The fundamental parts or part; the basis.
See also: and, meat, potato
References in periodicals archive ?
Take equal quantities of the meat and potatoes, cut the meat into small pieces, peel the potatoes and slice some onions.
Sea Pie
During last five minutes, add butter to help brown the meat and potatoes.
eating in: PHEASANT SALAD WITH CRANBERRY DRESSING (serves two); Each week we bring you a cut-out-and-keep recipe from top chef KEVIN ASHTON, who has cooked for American presidents and Hollywood movie stars
The meat and potatoes are the main formations and/or favorite plays of the team.
As a staff, we determine the meat and potatoes, players, formations, play and/or situations.
1 priority of most offensive coordinators will be the 1st and 10 situations or the meat and potatoes, as they are the backbone for starting the drive, the first course.
We spend time on the meat and potatoes. We develop defensive checks for all formations and plays to help us be strong against their stuff.
Packaging your defense. (Football)
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