of the essence

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Time is of the essence, say top EU officials.

From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026

Now, time is of the essence for her to find a hubby.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

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 • Jan. 17, 2026

Time is of the essence when it comes to making these refund-enhancing tax-planning moves, and filing your 2025 tax return, according to Greene-Lewis.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 4, 2025

If it was, speed would be of the essence, and funding on a heroic scale would flow.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023