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

On the hour, with time of the essence and an equaliser required, Spurs supporters erupted as the ball was played around aimlessly at the back in the manner of a team defending a healthy lead.

From BBC

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

In urging the First Circuit to preserve McConnell’s ruling, the coalition that sued in Rhode Island said children and families are going hungry and “time is of the essence.”

From The Wall Street Journal

One ally of Mahmood told the BBC: "She knows that time is of the essence. She didn't take long to take big decisions at the Ministry of Justice, and she doesn't tend to hang about."

From BBC

It says the government's announcement is "vital and long-overdue", but time is of the essence.

From BBC