Down and dirty
adjective
Doing something in a direct way, without worrying about rules or being polite.
We have to get down and dirty to succeed in this business
Often appears as...
- get down and dirty
- down and dirty fight
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
adjective
Showing a lack of moral standards.
He's known to play a down and dirty game in politics
Often appears as...
- down and dirty politics
- down and dirty game
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
adverb
In a manner that is detailed and minute.
He explained the workings of the machine down and dirty
Often appears as...
- explained down and dirty
- got down and dirty
adjective
Doing something in a direct way, without worrying about rules or being polite.
We have to get down and dirty to succeed in this business
Often appears as...
- get down and dirty
- down and dirty fight
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
adjective
Showing a lack of moral standards.
He's known to play a down and dirty game in politics
Often appears as...
- down and dirty politics
- down and dirty game
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
adverb
In a manner that is detailed and minute.
He explained the workings of the machine down and dirty
Often appears as...
- explained down and dirty
- got down and dirty
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Straightforward Effort
When you're determined to achieve something without fancy methods or politeness.
She got down and dirty with her renovation project, doing all the work herself.
Pro Tip 2/3Intense Involvement
Fully engaging in an activity with all your effort, ignoring distractions.
To win the competition, they had to get down and dirty with their practice sessions.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Context
Used in informal situations e.g., among friends or in casual conversation.
At the jam session, everyone was ready to get down and dirty with their instruments.
Pro Tip 1/3Straightforward Effort
When you're determined to achieve something without fancy methods or politeness.
She got down and dirty with her renovation project, doing all the work herself.
Pro Tip 2/3Intense Involvement
Fully engaging in an activity with all your effort, ignoring distractions.
To win the competition, they had to get down and dirty with their practice sessions.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Context
Used in informal situations e.g., among friends or in casual conversation.
At the jam session, everyone was ready to get down and dirty with their instruments.
Pro Tip 1/3Straightforward Effort
When you're determined to achieve something without fancy methods or politeness.
She got down and dirty with her renovation project, doing all the work herself.
Pro Tip 2/3Intense Involvement
Fully engaging in an activity with all your effort, ignoring distractions.
To win the competition, they had to get down and dirty with their practice sessions.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Context
Used in informal situations e.g., among friends or in casual conversation.
At the jam session, everyone was ready to get down and dirty with their instruments.
Never forget "Down and dirty"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension