be-all and end-all

[ bee-awl uhnd end-awl ]

noun

1. the central and all-important part:

   His work was the be-all and end-all of his existence.

be-all and end-all

noun

1. the ultimate aim or justification

   to provide help for others is the be-all and end-all of this group

2. humorous.
   a person or thing considered to be beyond improvement

Word History and Origins

Origin of be-all and end-all¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

"Medication has a part to play, but it isn’t the be all and end all."

From BBC

"There are questions if anti-amyloid therapy is the be all and end all of AD therapy," he said.

From Science Daily

He tells the paper it should not be seen as "the be all and end all".

From BBC

This is not the be all and end all — $500 million is a lot of money but it is a down payment on a problem that requires much more to address it.

From Seattle Times

"For 30,000 people across the region, this is their 'be all and end all'. One man has pushed us into the mire."

From BBC