[bee-awl uh
nd end-awl] 
| the central and all-important part: His work was the be-all and end-all of his existence. |
| be all and end all or be-all and end-all (bē'ôl' ənd ěnd'ôl') n. The quintessential or all-important element: "Not that the more spectacular athleticism is the be all and end all of free skating. Spins . . . and intricate step sequences are also important" (Howard Bass). |