How Do You Spell DOWN TO BRASS TACKS?

Pronunciation: [dˌa͡ʊn tə bɹˈas tˈaks] (IPA)

The idiom "down to brass tacks" means getting to the essential or practical details of a matter. The spelling of the word "tacks" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /tæks/, with the "a" pronounced as the short "a" sound and the "ck" pronounced as a single /k/ sound. The origins of the phrase are unclear, but it may have originated from the practice of people counting tacks or nails on a wooden board to determine the cost of an item.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
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DOWN TO BRASS TACKS Meaning and Definition

  1. "Down to brass tacks" is an idiomatic expression that means getting to the essential or important details of a matter, focusing on the practical aspects, or getting to the heart of the issue without any unnecessary distractions or digressions. The phrase implies a direct, no-nonsense approach to tackling a problem or making a decision.

    The origin of this phrase remains unclear, but one theory suggests that it may have derived from the custom of counting brass tacks used in upholstery work. By examining the integral and functional parts of the upholstery, it was easier to assess the real value and worth of the work. Therefore, "down to brass tacks" could have been a metaphorical way of emphasizing the importance of addressing the core or fundamental aspects of a situation.

    The expression is commonly used in informal and business contexts when discussions become lengthy or overly theoretical, and someone wants to bring the focus back to the central topics. For example, during a meeting, a manager might say: "Let's get down to brass tacks and talk about the budget for next year." This request emphasizes the need to concentrate on the essential financial details and avoid unnecessary discussions or summaries.

    Overall, "down to brass tacks" highlights the importance of concentrating on the key facts or essentials of a matter, enabling individuals to make more effective decisions or assessments.

Common Misspellings for DOWN TO BRASS TACKS

  • down to brass tackr
  • d own to brass tacks
  • do wn to brass tacks
  • dow n to brass tacks
  • down t o brass tacks
  • down to b rass tacks
  • down to br ass tacks
  • down to bra ss tacks
  • down to bras s tacks
  • down to brass t acks
  • down to brass ta cks
  • down to brass tac ks
  • down to brass tack s

Idioms with the word DOWN TO BRASS TACKS

  • get (or come) down to brass tacks The idiom "get (or come) down to brass tacks" means to focus on the most important or essential aspects of a situation, conversation, or problem. It implies cutting through distractions or irrelevant details and getting to the heart of the matter.
  • get down to brass tacks The idiom "get down to brass tacks" means to focus on the essential or main issues, or to start discussing or dealing with the most important or practical aspects of a situation. It suggests getting to the heart of the matter or getting to the point without wasting time on unnecessary details or distractions.
  • down to brass tacks To get down to brass tacks means to focus on the essential, most important aspects of a situation or problem. It suggests getting to the heart of the matter and dealing with the core issues without wasting time on irrelevant details.