name of the game

American  

noun

Informal.

1. the essential element, consideration, or ultimate purpose; key.

   Profit is the name of the game in business.

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Etymology

Origin of name of the game

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"The name of the game for our future meetings remains full optionality," Villeroy said at a Bank of France speech earlier this month.

From Barron's

Trying to get everyone right now — I don’t think that’s the name of the game anymore.

From Los Angeles Times

“The name of the game for our future meetings remains full optionality,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bargain hunting is the name of the game.

From MarketWatch

For the brigade, the name of the game is community buy-in.

From Los Angeles Times