Is it brass tacks or brass tax?

The correct spelling of the idiom is brass tacks. Nobody really knows the origin of the phrase, but it means doing away with unnecessary things and focusing on the essentials.

It can be used in a variety of ways, including:

The prime minister promised a return to brass tacks politics, focusing on the economy.
“Let’s get down to brass tacks,” the coach said. “We need to score more points than the opposition.”
Some staff welcomed the new brass tacks approach, while others saw it as nothing more than a gimmick.

To make sure you use this idiom correctly in your writing, try QuillBot’s Grammar Checker.

Idioms: Other interesting questions

What is a similar saying to better late than never?: Some synonyms or near synonyms for “better late than never” include:

Never too late

Better to arrive late than not at all

The chance is still there

QuillBot’s rewriter can help you find synonyms for phrases like “better late than never.”
When should I use play it by ear?: Use the idiom “play it by ear” when you are discussing an action or situation that is done or will be done without a plan in place.
Which of Shakespeare’s plays involves a pound of flesh?: The Merchant of Venice is the play in which Shylock demands a pound of flesh from a merchant. “Pound of flesh” has since become a well-known idiom meaning an unreasonable demand.
What is the origin of a pound of flesh?: A “pound of flesh” comes from Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice. A debt collector named Shylock requests a pound of flesh from a merchant as payment for treating him poorly. While the demand was hefty, it was fair according to their contract.
What is a synonym for rule of thumb?: Some synonyms and near synonyms for the idiom “rule of thumb” include:

Guideline

Golden rule

Pointer

Unwritten rule

Recommendation

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Where does rule of thumb come from?: In the seventeenth century, many trades used the width of a thumb as a rough measurement, as it equaled about an inch across on average. As this was a quick rule for measurement, any loose guideline like this became known as a “rule of thumb.”
What is a synonym for hook, line, and sinker?: Some synonyms and near synonyms for the idiom hook, line, and sinker include:

Completely

Utterly

Through and through

One hundred percent

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What is the origin of hook, line, and sinker?: “Hook, line, and sinker” was first used in the mid-nineteenth century and initially referred to the way a fish might consume all of the fishing equipment besides the bait. As an idiom, it means “fall for something without question.”
What does hook, line, and sinker mean in the context of love?: If you fall for someone “hook, line, and sinker” it means you’ve fallen in love with them completely and without reservation. You are entirely enamored with the person.
Who said fortune favors the bold?: Many people credit the playwright Terence with the origin of the idiom “fortune favors the strong.” However, Virgil is credited with the more popular version “fortune favors the bold.”
Is fortune favors the bold Latin?: The idiom “fortune favors the bold” is a translation of the Lain proverb audentes fortuna iuvat.
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth?: If you are the salt of the earth, you are someone who is humble, gracious, and loyal. You have a great work ethic and sense of responsibility, and others look up to you.
What is the origin of salt of the earth?: The expression “salt of the earth” originates from the Bible, wherein Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Is salt of the earth a compliment?: Yes, calling someone “the salt of the earth” could be considered a compliment. When you say this about someone, you mean they are driven and trustworthy, which are both positive characteristics.
What is a synonym for salt of the earth?: Some synonyms or near synonyms for “salt of the earth” include:

Admirable

Decent

Honorable

Straight arrow

Upright person

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What is the origin of play it by ear?: The idiom “play it by ear” comes from John Playford’s A Brief Introduction to the Skill of Musick (1658). He writes, “To learn to play by rote or ear without book.”
What is the origin of better late than never?: The phrase “better late than never” is a direct translation of the Latin phrase, potiusque sero quam nunquam. The first recorded use in the English language is from Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales.
When should I use the phrase better late than never?: Use “better late than never” when you are discussing something that is being done behind schedule, or when responding to someone who is informing you of something they are doing in a tardy manner (e.g., “It’s great you’re learning how to cook; better late than never, I always say”).

It can be used in a sarcastic manner, particularly by the person receiving the action that is late (e.g., “Thanks for the birthday gift, even though it’s two months late. Better late than never, I guess”).
What is a synonym for piece of cake?: Some synonyms and near synonyms for “piece of cake” include:

A breeze

Child’s play

Simple

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When do you use the idiom piece of cake?: Use the idiom “piece of cake” when describing something that is easy to do or understand (e.g., “Completing the project was a piece of cake”).
What is a synonym for diamond in the rough?: Some synonyms or near synonyms for “diamond in the rough” include:

Hidden gem

Undeveloped talent

Underestimated

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Is diamond in the rough a compliment?: “Diamond in the rough” can be considered a compliment. If someone calls you this, it means they think you have potential.

If you’re unsure when to use phrases like “diamond in the rough,” QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you find alternative phrasings to reflect your intended meaning.
When should I use diamond in the rough?: Use the phrase diamond in the rough when describing a person or thing that is more sturdy/polite/educated than they look.

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What does it mean to play devil’s advocate?: If you are playing the devil’s advocate, you are intentionally taking the side of the opposition to foster debate and offer a dissenting point of view.
What is a synonym for devil’s advocate?: Some synonyms and near synonyms for devil’s advocate include:

Contrarian

Debater

Disputant

Arguer

QuillBot’s AI Rewriter can help you find synonyms for phrases like “devil’s advocate.”
When should I use devil’s advocate?: You would use devil’s advocate when referring to someone who holds a contrarian viewpoint and actively shares a differing opinion.

If you’re unsure when to use phrases like “devil’s advocate,” QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you find alternative phrasings to reflect your intended meaning.
What does it mean when you say “You are a class act”?: If you tell someone they are “a class act,” you are telling them they are a good person who acts in a classy, respectful manner.
What defines a class act person?: A person who is described as “a class act” is thoughtful, professional, and held in high regard.
What is a synonym for class act?: Some synonyms and near synonyms for “class act” include:

Exemplary

Distinguished

Respectful

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How are idioms used in English?: Idioms are used to emphasize an idea or point in a more colorful way than literal language (e.g., “After her nap, the child got a second wind”). In this case, “got a second wind” is synonymous with “gained more energy.”
What does weather the storm mean?: “Weather the storm” is an idiom that means “to endure and overcome something difficult, often with minimal impact.” For example, a company that was able to withstand financial difficulties can be described as one that “weathered the storm.”

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What are synonyms for under the weather?: Synonyms for “under the weather” include:

Feeling out of sorts

Feeling poorly

Feeling sick

In poor health

Not feeling well

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Is spill the beans a metaphor?: No, “spill the beans” is an idiom, not a metaphor.

An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood based on the meaning of the individual words that comprise it (e.g., “once in a blue moon”).

A metaphor compares two unrelated things by stating that one is (or isn’t) like the other (e.g., “Laura is the light of my life.”)
Is it spilt the beans or spilled the beans?: “Spilt the beans” is a variant of “spilled the beans,” although the latter is more popular. “Spilt” is sometimes used as the past tense and past participle of “spilled” in British English. Both phrases mean “to reveal private information.”

You can use QuillBot’s Grammar Checker to make sure you are consistent in your use of spilt or spilled.
What does spill the tea mean?: “Spill the tea” and “spill the beans” are closely related idioms that mean “reveal secret information.” However, “spill the tea” is more closely related to “gossip,” whereas “spill the beans” is often used when someone unintentionally or prematurely discloses private information.

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What is a synonym for break a leg?: “Break a leg” is an idiom that means “good luck.”

When wanting to express words of encouragement, other expressions you can use in place of “break a leg” include:

Best of luck

Godspeed

Knock ‘em dead

Give it your best shot

Show them what you’re made of

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Why do people say break a leg?: People say “break a leg” as a way to wish others success and good luck.

Some theories suggest that the idiom “break a leg” originated in theater, as performers believed it was unlucky to say “good luck.”
What does in light of recent events mean?: “In light of recent events” is a variant of the idiom “in light of” and introduces a change in something because of the events that preceded it (e.g., “In light of recent events, Lola will be transferring to another department”).

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What does in light of this mean?: In light of this is a less specific variant of the idiom “in light of.” While both phrases are used to explain a change or state of something due to new circumstances, “in light of this” uses the demonstrative pronoun “this” and functions on a presumption of the audience’s knowledge of what is being referred to (e.g., “In light of this, we’ll be going home early”).
What’s a synonym for in light of this?: Other ways to say “in light of this” include:

Because of this

Due to this

Given this

In view of this

Taking this into account

The QuillBot Paraphraser can help you find even more ways to say “in light of this.”
What does the full nine yards mean?: The “full nine yards” is a less popular variant of the American English expression “the whole nine yards.” Both mean “everything” or “the full extent of something” and describe someone or something as having, desiring, or giving their all in a certain situation (e.g., “I wanted the whole nine yards for my going away party”).
Where did the saying the whole nine yards come from?: It is not known for certain when and where the expression “the whole nine yards” originated. There are many theories, including some that link the idiom to the length of Scottish kilts, weaponry used in World War II, American football, sailing ships, and more.
What is a rags to riches story?: A “rags-to-riches” story tells of someone or something that went from poor to rich, or from an unfavorable situation to a favorable one. For example, if someone invents something and makes a lot of money from it, that would be considered a “rags-to-riches” story.
What does riches to rags mean?: “Riches to rags” is a less popular version of the idiom “rags to riches.” It typically describes a situation in which someone transitions from being financially wealthy to being poor or disadvantaged, but it can also refer to any situation where one goes from being fortunate to being unfortunate (e.g., “The poor lad went from riches to rags”).

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Is it under the weather or whether?: The correct expression is under the weather, which is a euphemism for “feeling sick.”

Remember, “weather” refers to the condition of the atmosphere in a certain location, whereas “whether” is a conjunction that expresses doubt or indicates a choice between two options.

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help you use “weather” and “whether” correctly.
What is the difference between an idiom and an aphorism?: An idiom employs figurative language to make a point (e.g., “It’s a piece of cake”). Idioms can be used in a variety of contexts.

An aphorism is a short phrase used to impart wisdom. Some aphorisms may use figurative language also. But this is not always the case (e.g., “You can’t always get what you want”).
What are examples of common idioms?: We use many idioms in our everyday language. Some examples of common idioms include “The early bird gets the worm,” “Curiosity killed the cat,” and “It’s raining cats and dogs.” They make language more playful and are used to emphasize the things we are saying.
What is the difference between an idiom and a metaphor?: An idiom is a popular fixed phrase that describes a thing or situation (e.g., “Slow and steady wins the race”).

A metaphor is a statement that directly compares two dissimilar things or situations (e.g., “All the world’s a stage”).

An idiom can be a metaphor, but not all idioms are metaphors.
What is a synonym for idiom?: There is no perfect synonym for the word “idiom,” but some close synonyms include:

Expression

Figure of speech

Turn of phrase

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What does bricks and mortar mean?: “Bricks and mortar” is a variant of the phrase “brick-and-mortar,” which refers to the physical location which a business operates out of to sell their goods and services (e.g., “We finally opened up a brick-and-mortar store”).

You can quickly and easily paraphrase online to express your intended meaning.
What are brick and mortar stores?: Brick and mortar stores (often written as brick-and-mortar) refer to stores that operate out of permanent, fixed locations instead of temporary or online shops (e.g., “I prefer going to brick-and-mortar stores over online shopping”).
What is a brick and mortar business?: A brick and mortar business (often spelled brick-and-mortar) refers to a business that sells goods or serves its customers in a physical, permanent location. For example, a hair salon is an example of a brick-and-mortar business because clients are served in person.
What is a synonym for take it with a grain of salt?: Some synonyms that can be used in place of take it with a grain of salt include:

Approach that information with caution

Be dubious about

Be wary of

Don’t take it at face value

Maintain a healthy skepticism about

Our AI Rewriter can help you find synonyms for phrases like “take it with a grain of salt.”
What does take it with a pinch of salt mean?: Take it with a pinch of salt is a variant of the idiom take it with a grain of salt. Both convey the same meaning—to consider something skeptically because it may be untrue or misleading.

“Take it with a pinch of salt” is more popular in British English, whereas “take it with a grain of salt” is more commonly used in American English. Usage depends on the dialect being used and stylistic preferences.

QuillBot’s Paraphraser tool can help you find alternatives for “take it with a pinch of salt.”
Where did cut to the chase come from?: The idiom “cut to the chase” originates from the silent film era of the 1920s. Directors and writers would literally cut to a chase scene after a slower sequence to keep the audience’s attention.
What is a synonym for cut to the chase?: Some synonyms or near synonyms for the idiom “cut to the chase” include:

Be frank

Don’t beat around the bush

Get down to brass tacks

Get down to business

Get on with it

Get to the point

Say what you have to say

QuillBot’s Paraphraser can help you find other synonyms for idioms like “cut to the chase.”
What is a blue moon?: In modern terms, a blue moon refers to the second full moon of the month, which typically has only one full moon. This happens once every few years.

However, historically, a blue moon referred to a rarer phenomenon: the fourth full moon in a season, which would typically have only three. That is why people use the idiom once in a blue moon to mean “very rarely.”
What’s another way of saying once in a blue moon?: Synonyms you can use in place of “once in a blue moon” include:

From time to time

Hardly ever

Not often

Rarely

Seldom

QuillBot’s sentence rewriter can help you find synonyms for phrases like “once in a blue moon.”
How often is once in a blue moon?: “Once in a blue moon” is an idiom that means something happens “infrequently” or “rarely.” For instance, because it’s usually hot and sunny in Las Vegas, one could say that it only rains there once in a blue moon.

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Is it brass tacks or brass tax?

Idioms: Other interesting questions