meat and potatoes

comparative more meat and potatoes · superlative most meat and potatoes

1. informalNormal, average, typical, unexceptional, or nondescript.

   Rick is very experimental and open-minded about trying new things, but Ted is a meat and potatoes kind of guy.

1. informaluncountableThe essential part or parts of something.

   The complete attacking secrets of Harry Kane would be a slim volume. His game at its best is beautifully simple: high-energy, highly effective meat and potatoes. He just looks very tired.

   15 September 2018, Barney Ronay, “Finely tuned Liverpool are really getting into Jürgen Klopp’s groove”, in The Guardian

2. uncountableUsed other than figuratively or idiomatically: see meat, and, potatoes.