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