Definitions

heart of the matter

NOUN

nitty-gritty

Synonyms

STRONG

basics core essence focus fundamentals gist heart kernel meat quintessence reality root soul substance

WEAK

bottom line brass tacks chief part chief thing cold fact essential details essential part hard fact important matter meat and potatoes name of the game nuts and bolts the facts the name of the game

Antonyms

STRONG

exterior exteriority outside surface

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The film gets to the heart of the matter quickly and stays there, spreading out to make itself comfortable.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

At the heart of the matter are longstanding rules that cap the number of households one company can reach.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

Here's what we know about their agreement to uphold a truce, Trump's role in sealing the deal and the conflict at the heart of the matter.

From Barron's • Oct. 26, 2025

Clark gets right to the heart of the matter from the jump, writing, “What do you call a scone crossed with a jam cake and a cinnamon roll?”

From Slate • Oct. 25, 2024

She broke her pattern only when Knabe finally asked her the question that went right to the heart of the matter.

From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose

heart of the matter

Example Sentences

Related Words