be-all and end-all

be-all and end-all
noun
the essential factor; the all-important element; the supreme aim
-

profit is the be-all and end-all of business

Syn: ↑be all and end all
Hypernyms: ↑component, ↑constituent, ↑element, ↑factor, ↑ingredient

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\\ˈbēˌȯl...ˈenˌdȯl\ noun
: prime cause : essential element : dominant or definitive factor; sometimes : whole, totality

the be-all and end-all of the detective story is to conceal the identity of the criminal — Times Literary Supplement

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/bee"awl' euhnd end"awl'/
the central and all-important part: His work was the be-all and end-all of his existence.
[1595-1605]

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be-all and end-all noun
The supreme aim or issue
• • •
Main Entry:be

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be-all and end-all «BEE L uhnd EHND L»,
the whole or essence of anything: »

Victories…are not the be-all and end-all of the [Olympic] Games (London Times).

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/ˈbiːˌɑːləndˈɛndˌɑːl/ noun
the be-all and end-all
: the most important part of something or the reason for something

He acts as if making money is the be-all and end-all of human existence.


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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