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brass

brass

16 7.7
Rude boldness that shows little respect for others
  • noun
  • /bræs/
  • UK
translation icon : descaro
  • I was continually amazed at the brass of some people and the accompanying lack of respect.

Examples

  • Clearly, Clinton has some brass to not only do that, but to actually comment on that technique.

    Blog text (24)
  • Yes, bold as brass.

  • You got a lot of brass, coming up here by yourself.

  • I'll give him credit for having a brass set for saying that with a straight face.

    Blog text (5)
  • You got a lot of brass, Gordon.

  • He was standing there as bold as brass.

  • You're right, of course, but when you get right down to brass tacks, I'd still prefer to stay home.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • You really have some brass to challenge the referee's decision in front of everyone.

  • It takes a lot of brass to stand up to the bullies in school.

  • Her brass attitude during the presentation impressed all the board members.

Synonyms

face
vsbrass
389 8.6

Bold behaviour that shows no shame

is shameless self-confidence more about inner boldness than only insolent attitude
nerve
vsbrass
153 6.2

Rude bold behaviour that shows little respect for others

is shameless self-confidence rather than a focus on daring challenges
cheek
vsbrass
  • Informal
125 6.1

Rude talk or behaviour that shows no respect

is shameless self-confidence rather than limited to speech or remarks
bravado
vsbrass
32 7.7

Confident, showy behavior meant to impress or hide fear

is shameless self-confidence rather than mainly a performance to hide fear
gall
vsbrass
24 8.1

Rude boldness that shows no shame

is shameless self-confidence rather than primarily aiming to insult others
temerity
vsbrass
  • Formal
9 9.9

Bold confidence that ignores danger

is shameless self-confidence concerned with rudeness rather than risk-taking
cockiness
vsbrass
4 7.0

A proud, rude way of acting that shows little respect for other people

is shameless self-confidence but not always as openly arrogant or overbearing
boldness
vsbrass
3 3.7

Rude confidence that shows a lack of respect for others

is shameless self-confidence without necessarily implying physical or hostile aggression
brashness
vsbrass
3 6.8

A way of acting that is too bold, loud, and rude

is shameless self-confidence focused on insolence rather than showiness
brazenness
vsbrass
2 7.3

Shameless boldness that ignores what people consider proper

is shameless self-confidence that lacks the clear intent to defy rules
brassiness
vsbrass
6.0

A loud, bold way of behaving that often seems rude

is shameless self-confidence that focuses on rudeness not only loud style

Antonyms

105 3.8

Being modest and not thinking you are better than other people

21 2.8

Feeling nervous and uncomfortable around other people

Idioms

Start talking about the most important details

brass monkey
  • Informal
8.9

Very cold weather

9.9

Be very cold, like in winter

Completely without value or use

Compounds

top brass
  • Informal
11 5.7

The most important people in a company or the army who make big decisions

5 7.7

A metal band worn over the knuckles to make a punch stronger

4 2.7

A group of musicians who play brass instruments and drums at public events

brass ring
  • Informal
2 7.4

A chance to get great success or a big reward

brass instrument
  • Specialized
1 3.4

A musical instrument played by blowing and making your lips buzz on a metal mouthpiece, like a trumpet or trombone

A group of musicians who play brass instruments like trumpets and trombones

brass family
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A group of instruments like trumpet or trombone that make sound when the player's lips buzz on a mouthpiece

brass hat
  • Jargon
1 8.0

A senior officer who works at headquarters and makes important decisions

A metal handle on a front door that you lift and hit to make a knocking sound

bearing brass
  • Specialized
7.4

A ring of brass placed around a shaft to help it turn smoothly

brass buttons
  • South African
9.9

A small plant with many round yellow flowers that grows close to the ground

brass ceiling
  • Literature
8.0

An unwritten rule that stops women or minority groups from getting promoted in jobs

brass farthing
  • Archaic
9.9

A very small amount of money that is worth almost nothing

9.9

A small metal weapon worn over the knuckles to make a punch hit harder

brass monkey
  • Archaic
9.9

A metal stand used on old ships to hold cannon balls

cartridge brass
  • Specialized
7.2

A metal made from copper and zinc used for cartridge cases and tubing

Admiralty brass
  • Specialized
7.4

A metal made from copper, zinc, and tin that resists damage from sea water

alpha brass
  • Specialized
8.1

A type of brass metal that bends easily without heating

alpha-beta brass
  • Specialized
8.8

A strong brass made with more zinc, used for cast parts and hot work

low brass
  • Specialized
8.4

A metal made mostly of copper that has 30% or less zinc

high brass
  • Specialized
8.4

A yellow metal made from copper mixed with a lot of zinc

high-strength brass
  • Specialized
7.0

A strong metal made from copper and zinc with a little manganese added

naval brass
  • Specialized
6.6

A type of brass with a little tin that resists seawater for ship parts

red brass
  • Specialized
4.1

A metal made mostly of copper that looks reddish and is used for pipes and cheap jewelry

How Bold

audacity
47 6.0
brazenness
2 7.3
brass
  • UK
16 7.7
cheek
  • Informal
125 6.1

Surface Forms

brass singular
brasses plural

Etymology

A helpful way to remember brass meaning 'shameless boldness' is to think of the adjective brassy, which means loud and showy like the metal. So if someone has 'brass' they have bold, cheeky nerve.