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.
by viperquilter September 02, 2015
"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"
"Hey, let's get down to brass tacks, pass me a bowl so I can pack one up"
by jdmoskow November 14, 2013