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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

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
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

meat and potatoes

Informal
The fundamental parts or part; the basis.
See also: and, meat, potato
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • meat and potatoes
  • meat-and-potatoes
  • meat and drink to me, it is
  • encumber
  • encumber (someone or something) with (something)
  • encumber with
  • engulf
  • engulf in
  • engulf in (something)
  • get/have the best of something
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.
During last five minutes, add butter to help brown the meat and potatoes.
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.