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

Example Sentences

It's not the be-all and end-all, but it would be another marker the players can look back on.

From BBC

Promotion is the be-all and end-all here, failure to achieve that will mean enduring those dreary 0-0s will have been for nothing.

From BBC

He told Laverne that while he still works "very, very hard" it is no longer the "be-all and end-all of everything".

From BBC

"That will be the be-all and end-all. He'll be judged on winning tournaments. If he doesn't he'll be deemed a failure. That's just the height of expectation of being an England manager."

From BBC

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