ENGLISH
REFERENCE

above all

idiom
Meaning

you use this to say that one thing is more important than everything else you have mentioned.


Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English [Term?]. Compare Dutch bovenal (“above all”).

Examples
SIMPLE

Above all, remember to lock the door when you leave.

CONTEXTUAL

We need to finish the project on time, but above all, we must ensure the quality is perfect.

COMPLEX

The leader argued that while economic growth was necessary, above all, the government had to protect the rights of its citizens.

Last updated April 22, 2026