brass
- noun
- /bræs/
- UK
- 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
Bold behaviour that shows no shame
Rude bold behaviour that shows little respect for others
Rude talk or behaviour that shows no respect
Confident, showy behavior meant to impress or hide fear
Rude boldness that shows no shame
Bold confidence that ignores danger
A proud, rude way of acting that shows little respect for other people
Rude confidence that shows a lack of respect for others
A way of acting that is too bold, loud, and rude
Shameless boldness that ignores what people consider proper
A loud, bold way of behaving that often seems rude
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
- Specialized
A musical instrument played by blowing and making your lips buzz on a metal mouthpiece, like a trumpet or trombone
- Specialized
A group of instruments like trumpet or trombone that make sound when the player's lips buzz on a mouthpiece
- South African
A small plant with many round yellow flowers that grows close to the ground
- Literature
An unwritten rule that stops women or minority groups from getting promoted in jobs
- Specialized
A metal made from copper and zinc used for cartridge cases and tubing
- Specialized
A metal made from copper, zinc, and tin that resists damage from sea water
- Specialized
A strong brass made with more zinc, used for cast parts and hot work
- Specialized
A strong metal made from copper and zinc with a little manganese added
- Specialized
A metal made mostly of copper that looks reddish and is used for pipes and cheap jewelry
How Bold
Surface Forms
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.