Be All and End All: What Does It Mean and How to Use It?
The phrase be all and end all is a common idiom that means the most important part of something or the reason for something. It can also mean the ultimate goal or the final result of something. The phrase is often used to emphasize the importance or significance of something or someone.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, where Macbeth says:
If it were done when ’tis done, then ’twere well
It were done quickly: if the assassination
Could trammel up the consequence, and catch
With his surcease success; that but this blow
Might be the be-all and the end-all here,
But here, upon this bank and shoal of time,
We’ld jump the life to come.
In this context, Macbeth is contemplating killing King Duncan and wishes that his act would be the be-all and end-all of his ambition, meaning that he would not have to face any consequences or troubles afterwards. However, he also realizes that his actions will have repercussions in this life and the next.
Today, the phrase is used in various contexts and situations, such as:
- He acts as if making money is the be-all and end-all of human existence.
- Finding a cure for cancer is the be-all and end-all of medical research.
- She is not the be-all and end-all of beauty. There are many other attractive women in the world.
- Winning this game is not the be-all and end-all. We still have many more matches to play.
- This book is not the be-all and end-all of knowledge. You should read other sources as well.
The phrase can also be used as a noun, as in:
- This car is the be-all and end-all. It has everything you could ever want in a vehicle.
- This restaurant is not the be-all and end-all. There are better places to eat nearby.
- This job is not my be-all and end-all. I have other dreams and aspirations.
- This movie is not the be-all and end-all. It’s just a fun way to pass the time.
- This course is not the be-all and end-all. You still need to study hard and learn more.
The phrase can also be modified by adding words like “ultimate”, “final”, “absolute”, or “only” before it, as in:
- This test is the ultimate be-all and end-all. It will determine your future.
- This contract is the final be-all and end-all. Once you sign it, there’s no going back.
- This painting is the absolute be-all and end-all. It’s a masterpiece of art.
- This person is the only be-all and end-all. I can’t live without them.
The phrase can also be used sarcastically or ironically to imply that something or someone is not as important or impressive as they think they are, as in:
- You think you’re the be-all and end-all, don’t you? Well, you’re not.
- This gadget is supposed to be the be-all and end-all, but it doesn’t even work properly.
- This award is not the be-all and end-all. It doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone else.
- This party is not the be-all and end-all. There are more important things in life than having fun.
- This book is not the be-all and end-all. It’s full of errors and misinformation.