# the most important thing

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-most-important-thing
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

the main point or the fact that matters more than anything else in a situation.

## Examples

- Staying healthy is the most important thing.
- When you start a new job, learning the company culture is the most important thing.
- While technical proficiency is valuable, maintaining integrity in your professional relationships remains the most important thing for long-term success.

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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.