nuts and bolts

noun

: the working parts or elements

: the practical workings of a machine or enterprise as opposed to theoretical considerations or speculative possibilities

nuts-and-bolts

ˈnəts-ən(d)-ˈbōlts

adjective

Examples of nuts and bolts in a Sentence

the nuts and bolts of the merger of the two companies have yet to be worked out

Recent Examples on the Web This question refers to the nuts and bolts of our financial lives, a simple income minus expenses accounting of the situation. —

Phil Stark, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Sep. 2024 The nuts and bolts of the role of lobbyists in the legislative process remain murky to many voters, though. —

Eye On Michigan, Detroit Free Press, 23 Sep. 2024 The nuts and bolts of financial management also come with their own set of challenges. —

James Manso, WWD, 20 Sep. 2024 Local news deserts widen, harming our ability to find trusted information about candidates as well as providing voters with reliable guidance on the nuts and bolts of our elections. —

Sam Jacobs, TIME, 19 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nuts and bolts

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nuts and bolts.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of nuts and bolts was in 1947

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Nuts and bolts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nuts%20and%20bolts. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

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