be-all and end-all

plural be-alls and end-alls · alternative be-all end-all · alternative end-all be-all · alternative end-all and be-all

1. idiomaticSomething considered to be of the utmost importance; something essential or ultimate.

   Profit is the be-all and end-all of business.

   4 more examples

   He thought that cars were the be-all and end-all of life.

   That but this blow / Might be the be-all and the end-all!

   a. 1606, William Shakespeare, Macbeth, act 1, scene 7, lines 4–5

   The compulsory tests in reading, writing and maths at the end of years 2 and 6 are often mistakenly seen as the be-all and end-all of a child's chances in life, and the quality of their school.

   2014 September 23, A teacher, “Choosing a primary school: a teacher's guide for parents”, in The Guardian

   Back in the day, pore strips were the be-all and end-all for removing blackheads and buildup around the nose. These days, there are gentler and more effective ways to unclog the pores around the nostrils, but some have found success with strips and experience no irritation. If you're looking to try some, consider these six Byrdie-approved pore strips.

   2025 April 23, Julia A. Siegel, MD, “12 Methods to Unclog Pores That Dermatologists Swear By”, in Byrdie