of the essence

Idioms  

1. Of the greatest importance, crucial, as in Time is of the essence. This idiom, which uses essence in the sense of “the most important element of something,” was first recorded in 1873, although the phrase the essence of... was already being used in the mid-1600s.

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Example Sentences

With speed of the essence, they don’t stop for anything; even bathroom breaks are handled as the boat rockets forward.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Time is absolutely of the essence” in treating strokes, Demaerschalk said.

From Seattle Times

In a statement on his website, Fu said that time was of the essence.

From Seattle Times

Mr. Pistorius said that ministers will later on Monday “sign the respective documents,” while Germany would also let other countries join in its contracts with German defense manufacturers since speed was of the essence.

From New York Times

He said Germany would also open its national framework contracts with the defence industry to other partners as speed was of the essence.

From Reuters