meat and potatoes

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