Wiktionary
be-all and end-all
alt. (context idiomatic English) Something considered to be of the utmost importance; something essential or ultimate. n. (context idiomatic English) Something considered to be of the utmost importance; something essential or ultimate.
WordNet
be-all and end-all
n. the essential factor; the all-important element; the supreme aim; "profit is the be-all and end-all of business" [syn: be all and end all]
Usage examples of "be-all and end-all".
Temporary infusion (as important and profound as it sometimes is) becomes the be-all and end-all of consciousness occasions.