Where did the phrase brass tax come from?

Earliest attestation in 1863 US, specifically Texas. One theory is that it comes from the brass tacks in the counter of a hardware store or draper’s shop used to measure cloth in precise units (rather than holding one end to the nose and stretching out the arm to approximately one yard).

Is brass taxed?

The proper spelling of this expression is “brass tacks” not “brass tax.” If you want to “get down to brass tacks,” that means to get down to the core of something or to get down to the issue or task at hand.

Why do people say brass tacks?

So, when someone wanted to skip the pleasantries and get down to the facts, they may have opted to say “brass tacks” instead. According to The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, it could also allude to “tacks hammered into a sales counter to indicate precise measuring points.”

How do you spell brass tacks?

noun Informal. the most fundamental considerations; essentials; realities (usually used in the phrase get down to brass tacks).

What does the phrase got down to brass tacks mean?

Definition of get down to brass tacks : to start to discuss or consider the most important details or facts about something We finally got down to brass tacks and decided to work out a schedule for the project.

What does brass it out mean?

: to continue in a confident way without showing shame or embarrassment Despite the bad publicity, the candidate decided to brazen it out and stay in the race.

Is Brass Tacks cockney rhyming slang?

Some believe it alludes to the brass tacks used under fine upholstery, others that it is Cockney rhyming slang for “hard facts,” and still others that it alludes to tacks hammered into a sales counter to indicate precise measuring points.

What does full of hot air mean?

(idiomatic) Talking a lot, especially without saying anything of value or meaning. Did the salesman tell you anything new, or was he just full of hot air?

What is the phrase brass tacks?

The phrase get down to brass tacks (not brass tax) is an Americanism dating from the 19th century. In the idiom, brass tacks means (1) the essentials, or (2) the basic facts, so to get down to brass tacks is to focus on the essentials.

Which is correct getting down to brass tacks or brass tax?

The proper spelling of this expression is “brass tacks” not “brass tax.” If you want to “get down to brass tacks,” that means to get down to the core of something or to get down to the issue or task at hand. Where do these “brass tacks” come from?

How to contact brass tax for a refund?

For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints or refunds, contact Brass Tax at (858) 487-2553. Brass Tax Presentations is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

Is the word brass tacks in the Dictionary?

Essential facts; basics: getting down to brass tacks. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Who are the sponsors of Brass Tax presentations?

Brass Tax Presentations is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.