-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
brass tacks
plural noun
: details of immediate practical importance
—usually used in the phrase get down to brass tacks
Examples of brass tacks in a Sentence
after the usual introductions and requisite pleasantries, we got down to the brass tacks of our business proposal
Recent Examples on the Web
But in the private markets, as a reporter, brass tacks numbers on how startups and the VC firms that back them are performing are a whole lot harder to come by.
—Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
The bromides change but the brass tacks are the same.
—Ahmed Al Omran, New York Times, 13 July 2023
Ready to get into the brass tacks—er, vinyl surfaces?
—Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 28 June 2023
Ready to get down to the brass tacks?
—Brie Schwartz, Woman's Day, 11 May 2022
See all Example Sentences for brass tacks
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'brass tacks.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1863, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to brass tacks
Dictionary Entries Near brass tacks
Cite this Entry
“Brass tacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brass%20tacks. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share