nub of the argument
- noun
- The lawyer skillfully identified the nub of the argument, focusing on the main issue at hand.
But let's get to the actual nub of the argument, right?
- But let's get to the actual nub of the argument, right?
Examples
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The sloppy manner that you refer to might in fact indicate more interest in the nub of the argument, and possibly more realistic conclusions as a result, than the form of presentation.
Blog text (16) -
In the debate, she emphasized the nub of the argument, which was about the impact of climate change on future generations.
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To resolve the dispute, they needed to first address the nub of the argument rather than getting sidetracked by minor details.
Synonyms
An item in an argument or on a list
The main point of what someone says or writes
A main idea in a talk or report
The main point that decides what matters most in an issue
The main person, thing, or idea that gets most attention
The most important part of a problem or discussion
The main point people argue about in a discussion
The most important point someone makes in a discussion or essay
The most important part of a problem or discussion
The main point someone makes in a discussion
The main point of a discussion or argument
The main point of an argument said in a strong way
The main idea that connects the points someone makes
Antonyms
How Central
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase literally combines 'nub' (core or essential point) with 'of the argument' to specify the domain, so the overall meaning 'central point of the argument' is directly derivable from its parts. This straightforward noun + of-phrase composition follows common cross-linguistic patterns, making it readily understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.
Etymology
Nub of the argument comes from the word nub, which means a small hard lump or knob at the centre of something. Imagine the tiny core of a long discussion that holds the whole idea, so the phrase means 'the central or most important point'.