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Definitions

meat and potatoes

NOUN
fundamental parts
Synonyms
WEAK
basis bottom line essence gist gravamen guts name of the game nitty-gritty nuts and bolts score substance
ADJECTIVE
of fundamental importance
Synonyms
STRONG
basic bottom-line essential fundamental indispensable primary/prime radical underlying vital
WEAK
bottom lowermost nethermost undermost

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.

"Staples like bread, meat and potatoes all cost more than they did even a month ago," says Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at investment platform AJ Bell.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

There’s the satisfying meat and potatoes of exploration at Castle Ensis, with vertiginous balustrades and winding ramparts that cross over and under themselves in impossible architectural configurations.

From New York Times • Jun. 18, 2024

Pairing it with a simple side of partially mashed chickpeas will satisfy that meat and potatoes guy in your life for Father’s Day.

From Washington Times • Jun. 14, 2023

Rachael Ray’s ending her longtime talk show after more than a decade, but food content will still be her meat and potatoes.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 7, 2023

Mrs. Baxter gave us green beans and this thing with meat and potatoes all mixed together.

From "The Red Umbrella" by Christina Gonzalez