Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
down-and-dirty
idiom
/daʊn ənd ˈdɪrti/
Definition
A phrase describing something that is direct, straightforward, and often lacks refinement or sophistication; it can also imply being involved in unpleasant or unsavory activities.
Examples
- When it comes to politics, the candidates often have to play down-and-dirty to win votes.
- If you want to get the job done, sometimes you have to take a down-and-dirty approach.
Meaning
The term ‘down-and-dirty’ can refer to getting to the heart of a matter without pretense or elegance, often in a context that suggests moral ambiguity or a willingness to get involved in tough or grim situations.
Synonyms
- Raw
- Unrefined
- Grimy
- Unvarnished
