APAD: no frills

Definition

   basic and simple without any extras

 

Examples

   1) I prefer a no-frills breakfast of toast and coffee to start my day.

   2) I decided to buy a no-frills car to save money.

 

Etymology

   The phrase originated in the field of aviation. It dates back to the 1960s

   when air travel offered a stripped-down, basic services at lower prices.

 

Synonyms plain, fundamental, unfancy

 

- englishdaily626.com [edited]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

October brought cool and pleasant days to YanNan, my hometown on the north edge

of the North China Plain. Kids were back in school. The streets were bustling

with people enjoying the outdoors. Retirees clustered throughout the town-center

park, pursuing their arts and recreation, sketching, karaoke, top-whipping,

town-square dancing, musical instruments, etc. At a one-barber stand on the

sidewalk, I had a no-frills haircut for a no-frills price.