nuts and bolts

noun

: the working parts or elements

: the practical workings of a machine or enterprise as opposed to theoretical considerations or speculative possibilities

nuts-and-bolts

ˈnəts-ən(d)-ˈbōlts

adjective

Examples of nuts and bolts in a Sentence

the nuts and bolts of the merger of the two companies have yet to be worked out

Recent Examples on the Web Made up not of James Bond types but rather basic, blue-collar folks like construction workers, plumbers, etc. — gritty teams who get down to the nuts and bolts. —

Pete Hammond, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2024 The Project 2025 videos coach future appointees on everything from the nuts and bolts of governing to how to outwit bureaucrats. —

Andy Kroll, ProPublica, 10 Aug. 2024 The goal should be widening the available talent pool and improving the nuts and bolts of governance. —

Bloomberg Opinion, Twin Cities, 7 Aug. 2024 His coverage focuses on all things cinema, from the intricacies of film history to the nuts and bolts of filmmaking. —

Edward Vega, Vox, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuts and bolts

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuts and bolts.' 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

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of nuts and bolts was in 1947

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nuts and bolts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuts%20and%20bolts. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

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