be-all and end-all

American  

[bee-awl uhnd end-awl] / ˈbiˌɔl ənd ˈɛndˌɔl /

noun

1. the central and all-important part.

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

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be-all and end-all British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of be-all and end-all

First recorded in 1595–1605

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

be-all and end-all

However, ECB chief executive Richard Gould says India isn't the be-all and end-all.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

But California would not prove to be the be-all and end-all for the rapper, who chose to lay down more permanent roots in Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 18, 2026

Drought Monitor shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all for decision-making, and should continue be paired with reservoir observations, snow surveys and other measurements to form a complete picture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2024

"I have sometimes felt that snooker is the be-all and end-all, but this has made me realise how lucky I am, and it has freed me up to just enjoy the game."

From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2023

The realization baffled me, since that had been primary on our minds when we left—the be-all and end-all of our journey, the reason for leaving Mamá’s side.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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