meat-and-potatoes
Plain and simple
Meat-and-potatoes describes something plain, basic, or fundamental—like the simple traditional meal it references.
A meat-and-potatoes approach focuses on essentials without frills.
A meat-and-potatoes issue is a core concern that matters to ordinary people.
The phrase often carries approval: solid, unpretentious, getting the job done.
Central essential portion
- essentialFundamentally necessary
- foundationalServing as a base
- bedrockSolid stone underground
- cornerstoneFoundational building block
primary · central · key · main · basic · principal · integral · indispensable
Free of complexity
- plainBasic and unremarkable
- no-frillsWithout extras or embellishments
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
- bare-bonesReduced to essentials
unpretentious · practical · functional · down-to-earth · uncomplicated · utilitarian · everyday · workaday
Of lasting excellence
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- time-honoredRespected due to age
- conservativeCautious about altering customs
orthodox · mainstream · blue-collar · working-class · heartland · salt-of-the-earth · all-American · hometown
Promoting health through food
- wholesomeConducive to well-being
- satisfyingProducing fulfillment or pleasure
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
- fillingMaterial placed within
robust · substantial · rustic · savory · warming · generous · solid · homestyle
core
Central essential portion
- essentialFundamentally necessary
- foundationalServing as a base
- bedrockSolid stone underground
cornerstone · primary · central · key · main · basic · principal · integral · indispensable · crucial
simple
Free of complexity
- plainBasic and unremarkable
- no-frillsWithout extras or embellishments
- straightforwardClear and uncomplicated
bare-bones · unpretentious · practical · functional · down-to-earth · uncomplicated · utilitarian · everyday · workaday · ordinary
classic
Of lasting excellence
- old-fashionedBelonging to earlier times
- conventionalFollowing accepted practices
- time-honoredRespected due to age
conservative · orthodox · mainstream · blue-collar · working-class · heartland · salt-of-the-earth · all-American · hometown · small-town
nourishing
Promoting health through food
- wholesomeConducive to well-being
- satisfyingProducing fulfillment or pleasure
- comfortingGiving emotional ease
filling · robust · substantial · rustic · savory · warming · generous · solid · homestyle · farmhouse
meat-and-potatoesgourmet
Connoisseur of fine cuisine
haute cuisine · fancy · elaborate · fine dining · cordon bleu
meat-and-potatoeselaborate
Complex and detailed
fancy · sophisticated · frilly · ornate · complex
meat-and-potatoesavant-garde
Innovative cultural pioneers
unconventional · exotic · adventurous · experimental · cutting-edge
meat, meats, meaty, meatier, meatiest, meatiness, potato, potatoes