be-all and end-all

[bee-awl uhnd end-awl]

noun

1. the central and all-important part.

   His work was the be-all and end-all of his existence.

be-all and end-all

noun

1. the ultimate aim or justification

   to provide help for others is the be-all and end-all of this group

2. humorous,  a person or thing considered to be beyond improvement

Word History and Origins

Origin of be-all and end-all¹

First recorded in 1595–1605