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

Of the essence No. 1808, which answers admirably for 'cafe an lait', so much would not be required.

From The Book of Household Management by Beeton, Mrs. (Isabella Mary)

Says Professor Gross: "Of the essence of disease very little is known; indeed, nothing at all."

From The Royal Road to Health by Tyrrell, Charles Alfred