of the essence

Idioms and Phrases

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

Yet with 5,049 confirmed cases since the start of the year in DR Congo, the clinic’s staff say speed is of the essence - only with a combination of vaccines, medicine and other supplies to allow for better hygiene, will the outbreak be curbed.

From BBC

“Really, time was of the essence.”

From Los Angeles Times

“There wasn’t that separation like ‘I only like goth, and I’m gonna wear black clothes,’ ” says Hamilton of the essence of the soundtrack.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, time is of the essence as election day is less than four months away and a lack of unity in the Democratic Party could further hurt its cause.

From Los Angeles Times

In his address, Mr Guterres stressed that time was of the essence, with the impacts of rising temperatures already being felt - such as the recent deadly heatwaves in Asia or the floods in South America.

From BBC