nuts and bolts

noun

1

: the working parts or elements

2

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

nuts-and-bolts

ˈnəts-ən(d)-ˈbōlts 

adjective

Synonyms of nuts and bolts

• ropes
• brass tacks

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

Each donor car is stripped down to its nuts and bolts before being rebuilt with carbon-fiber bodywork. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

Rather than relying on conventional nuts and bolts, which can add significant weight, the students bonded the structure together. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026

William—and even George’s grandfather, King Charles—are preparing George for the nuts and bolts of becoming king, while Kate is there to provide support, encouragement, and, most of all, love. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 Sep. 2026

The nuts and bolts are that England won 2-1 after extra time with an imperious Jude Bellingham scoring both after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead. — The Athletic Soccer Experts, New York Times, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nuts and bolts

• kilovolts
• microvolts
• millivolts
• colts
• jolts
• molts
• moults
• poults
• smolts
• volts
• revolts