meat-and-potatoes 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmēt-ən(d)-pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tōz How to pronounce meat-and-potatoes (audio)
Definition of meat-and-potatoesnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject a meat-and-potatoes knowledge of figure skating is all that a spectator really needs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

meat and potatoes

2 of 2

plural noun

as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration an article that never gets into the meat and potatoes of a solution to the city's rising crime rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
Then, just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker for a seriously delicious meat-and-potatoes meal with carrots and celery added. — Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2026 Some want a big old meat-and-potatoes meal, some dream of a sushi omakase extravaganza. — ABC News, 17 June 2026
Plural noun
Cooked meat and potatoes were found in a cold holding unit at 65 to 70 degrees for around three hours without temperatures being measured through the process. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026 Viewed as a playmaker in the middle of the park, Boudri is expected to add flair and creativity to a midfield group that was more meat and potatoes in 2025. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meat-and-potatoes
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. introductory
  4. rudimentary
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • As is now the norm, basic cybersecurity would have prevented it.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Cowboys surrendered 419 total yards, blew basic run fits, and failed to force a single takeaway.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • The district boasts 31 schools in all, with neighborhood elementary and high schools, charter options and a number of dual language schools.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Some of those had major errors, like a hand with six fingers and clocks with numbers in the wrong places, both of which were approved lesson plans for elementary classrooms.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • The basic model of competitive markets which one finds in an introductory economics textbook—where independent firms engage in cold arm’s-length transactions motivated by unadulterated self-interest—does not apply to the industry.
    — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • JetBlue is offering some introductory fares for BlueFirst seats for select flights, including a $299 flight from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, a $249 option from New York to Fort Lauderdale and a $299 option from New York to Liberia, Costa Rica.
    — Maggie Roth, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • For a while, Crystal Lake hews closely to the very rudimentary mythology introduced in Sean Cunningham’s original movie.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The concern is that a small, rudimentary drone like this one could be weaponized with explosives and do serious damage to a large concert, sporting event, or campaign rally.
    — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • For companies like Target, listening to employees is fundamental.
    — Ted Kitterman, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Earnings growth projected to exceed a 20% year-over-year growth rate again this quarter can hardly be viewed as anything but a positive at least to bolster the fundamental case.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of fundamental

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meat-and-potatoes
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Cite this Entry

“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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