getting down to brass tacks

 

The phrase "getting down to brass tacks" refers to focusing on the essential or fundamental aspects of something, rather than getting sidetracked by peripheral details. It is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when brass tacks were used to fasten the covering of a horse's harness. In order to properly repair the harness, one would need to remove all of the decorative trimmings and get down to the brass tacks that held it together. Brass tacks are also used in the making of brass plaques.

Over time, the phrase came to be used more broadly to refer to any situation in which it is necessary to focus on the essentials in order to get something done. It is often used in a business or political context to indicate that it is time to stop discussing abstract ideas and start dealing with the concrete issues at hand.

In a technical context, the phrase "getting down to brass tacks" might be used to emphasize the importance of focusing on the fundamental principles or underlying technologies that are critical to the success of a project, rather than getting bogged down in superficial details or distractions. Whether in business, politics, or technical endeavors, the ability to "get down to brass tacks" is often seen as a key factor in opening doors and achieving success.


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