# above all

idiom · CEFR C1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/above-all
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Above all, remember to lock the door when you leave.
- We need to finish the project on time, but above all, we must ensure the quality is perfect.
- The leader argued that while economic growth was necessary, above all, the government had to protect the rights of its citizens.

## Origin

From Middle English Term?, with a structure comparable to the Dutch bovenal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.