# bottom line

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bottom-line
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The summary or result; the most important information.

## Examples

- The bottom line is that we need more money.
- We discussed many options for the project, but the bottom line is that we must finish by Friday.
- While the committee debated the ethical implications for hours, the bottom line remained that the current budget could not support the proposed expansion.

## Origin

A reference to the literal bottom line of an income statement or other accounting record.

---

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.