The be all and end all: Learn what the means through example!

What does “The be all and end all” mean?

"The be all and end all" means that something is the ultimate or most important thing.

What context can I use the in?

Example

For him, money is the be all and end all of life.

Example

She believes that success is the be all and end all in her career.

Example

In this game, winning is the be all and end all

Is “The be all and end all” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The be all and end all” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “The be all and end all” effectively in context?

You can use "The be all and end all" to emphasize that something is the ultimate or most important thing. It is often used to express someone's strong belief or obsession with a particular aspect of life. For example, if someone is extremely focused on making money, you might say, 'For him, money is the be all and end all of life.'

• 1. Personal Values

  She believes that success is the be all and end all in her career.

• 2. Competition

  In this game, winning is the be all and end all.

• 3. Priorities

  For him, family is the be all and end all.

Similar phrases to “The be all and end all”:

The be-all, end-all

The ultimate or most important thing

Example

For her, beauty is the be-all, end-all of life.

The be-all

The ultimate or most important thing

Example

For him, power is the be-all.

The end-all

The ultimate or most important thing

Example

For them, fame is the end-all.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The be all and end all” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The be all and end all" is unknown.

Is “The be all and end all” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "The be all and end all" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize the importance of something and to convey a strong belief or obsession.

What tone does “The be all and end all” have?

"The be all and end all" conveys a tone of emphasis and intensity. It is used to highlight the significance of something and to express a strong conviction or obsession.

Can “The be all and end all” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "The be all and end all" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to emphasize the ultimate importance of something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'For him, money is the be all and end all of life.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Money is the "be all and end all"!' to imply the ultimate importance of money.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• the ultimate goal
• the top priority
• the utmost importance
• the pinnacle
• the essence

Antonyms

• insignificant
• unimportant
• trivial
• secondary
• irrelevant