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get down to brass tacks 

In the trading posts of the old west, the shopkeeper measured out a yard on his wooden counter and inserted two brass thumbtacks. He used this to measure off "yard goods" such as fabrics and rope. So to set the price he first had to get down to brass tacks.
You've selected your fabric, so let's get down to brass tacks.

get down to brass tacks 

"Its quarter after four? Almost time to get down to brass tacks"

"Hey, let's get down to brass tacks, pass me a bowl so I can pack one up"
get down to brass tacks by jdmoskow November 13, 2013