the be-all and end-all
noun phrase
: the most important part of something or the reason for something
He acts as if making money is the be-all and end-all of human existence.
Examples of the be-all and end-all in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Remind Them Prom Doesn’t Define Them Many teens think of prom as the be-all and end-all experience of their high school career.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 5 May 2025
There are loads who thought the Boleyn was the be-all and end-all of a stadium and believe the stadium was rocking every week.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Google Search isn’t the be-all and end-all anymore, so Google SEO alone is too limiting.
—Nancy Marshall, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
If Organic Produce Isn't an Option – 'Don't Stress'
A strictly organic diet—which is often expensive—isn't the be-all and end-all, according to Kelly Sturm, an oncology specialist based in Minnesota.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 23 Feb. 2025
Don’t misunderstand this: that Arsenal team could play too, but winning was the be-all and end-all and being practical to that aim was fundamental.
—Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Business leaders often see collective bargaining agreements as the be-all and end-all of management’s relationship with unions.
—Harvard Business Review, 13 Jan. 2025
Similar to Perez-Jordan, Mitchell acknowledges that elections are not the be-all and end-all of building political power but sees them as opportunities to shape the terrain of future organizing.
—Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 15 Aug. 2024
Rather than focusing on a two-state solution as the be-all and end-all of the dispute, international leaders should focus first on ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis have equal rights.
—Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024
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wendy Wisner, Parents, 5 May 2025
There are loads who thought the Boleyn was the be-all and end-all of a stadium and believe the stadium was rocking every week.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Google Search isn’t the be-all and end-all anymore, so Google SEO alone is too limiting.
—Nancy Marshall, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
If Organic Produce Isn't an Option – 'Don't Stress'
A strictly organic diet—which is often expensive—isn't the be-all and end-all, according to Kelly Sturm, an oncology specialist based in Minnesota.
—Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 23 Feb. 2025
Don’t misunderstand this: that Arsenal team could play too, but winning was the be-all and end-all and being practical to that aim was fundamental.
—Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Business leaders often see collective bargaining agreements as the be-all and end-all of management’s relationship with unions.
—Harvard Business Review, 13 Jan. 2025
Similar to Perez-Jordan, Mitchell acknowledges that elections are not the be-all and end-all of building political power but sees them as opportunities to shape the terrain of future organizing.
—Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 15 Aug. 2024
Rather than focusing on a two-state solution as the be-all and end-all of the dispute, international leaders should focus first on ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis have equal rights.
—Marwan Muasher, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“The be-all and end-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20be-all%20and%20end-all. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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