Definition

Noun: * The most important part or purpose; the essential or supreme element. It refers to something considered so crucial that it overshadows everything else, as if nothing else matters.

Usage

This phrase is used to emphasize that something is the single most important factor, goal, or reason for something's existence. It is often used in a critical or exaggerated way to question whether one thing should truly be considered the ultimate priority.

Examples

• For some people, making money is the be-all and end-all of their career.
• Don't think that passing this one test is the be-all and end-all; your overall progress matters more.
• He acts as if winning the championship is the be-all and end-all of his entire life.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is frequently used in the negative or in questions to suggest that something should be considered the ultimate goal.
  • "Is financial success really the be-all and end-all of happiness?"
• It can describe an overriding principle or doctrine.
  • "Efficiency became the be-all and end-all of the new management's philosophy."

Variants and Related Words

• Alpha and omega: (idiom) The beginning and the end; used to describe something that is all-encompassing or most important.
• Sum total: (noun phrase) The whole amount; the final or ultimate result of everything added together.
• Ultimate aim/goal: (noun phrase) The final and most important objective.

Synonyms

• Essence
• Paramount concern
• Supreme objective
• Central focus
• Main point

Related Idioms

• The name of the game: The most important aspect or objective in a particular activity or situation.
  • "In retail, customer service is the name of the game."
• The whole ball of wax: Everything involved in a particular situation; the entire matter.
  • "She didn't just want a promotion; she wanted to run the whole ball of wax."

Noun

1. the essential factor; the all-important element; the supreme aim
   • profit is the be-all and end-all of business