Question

in_the_loop_490 the heart of the issue; the most important part of the discussion; the essential points Compare to: get down to brass tacks; bottom line; long and short of it

Accepted Answer

NITTY-GRITTY, THE These conferences always begin with introductory speeches that don’t say much. I’m glad when they’re finished and the speakers get down to the nitty-gritty—that’s when we really learn something new.Let’s skip the small talk, and go straight to the nitty-gritty: what price do you want for the car, and when will you be able to part with it?

Id	in_the_loop_490
Idiom	NITTY-GRITTY, THE
Definition	the heart of the issue; the most important part of the discussion; the essential points
Examples	These conferences always begin with introductory speeches that don’t say much. I’m glad when they’re finished and the speakers get down to the nitty-gritty—that’s when we really learn something new. Let’s skip the small talk, and go straight to the nitty-gritty: what price do you want for the car, and when will you be able to part with it?
Cross-Refs	Compare to: get down to brass tacks; bottom line; long and short of it

Part Loop Nitty Gritty Heart Issue Important Discussion Essential