Crossword Genius

Details of some metal fasteners (5,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brass tacks

'details' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'some metal fasteners' is the wordplay.
'some metal' becomes 'brass' (brass is a kind of metal).
'fasteners' becomes 'tacks' (tack is a kind of fastener).
'brass'+'tacks'='BRASS TACKS'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for brass tacks that I've seen before include "really mean business" , "Details of practical business (colloq.)" , "Nitty-gritty (got down to)" , "Real business" , "Hard facts" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app