The phrase “be all and end all” refers to the critical element of something, often determining an outcome. It originated from Shakespeare’s Macbeth and is sometimes used sarcastically. It can be stressful, but it’s important to keep a level head and remember past successes.
The “be all and end all” is the final or most critical element of something. For example, someone might say “his performance at the debate will be the be-all and end-all in his campaign” or “he acts like racing is the be-all and end-all”. This turn of phrase is sometimes also written as “everything and the end”.
This phrase originates from Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. It comes out in a speech made by the title character as he considers assassinating a rival, arguing that if the assassination is successful, “this heist could be the be-all and end-all here.” As you can see, in Macbeth, it is “the be all and end all”, and for reasons unknown, “the” was dropped over time, perhaps because it made the phrase a little awkward in speech.
When people talk about being everything and ending everything, they are referring to the absolutely critical element, and often something that will determine an outcome. It could be considered the last piece of the puzzle, or the quintessential aspect of a situation. Because this part is so important, it tends to be taken extremely seriously, and people who are unaware of the importance may be confused as to why it is being treated with such respect.
This term is also sometimes used pejoratively to refer to a person or event that is unimportant. In this sense, it is used sarcastically, with the speaker obviously meaning the exact opposite.
Many people experience critical turning points in their lives that could be considered a be it and be it, such as college applications, job interviews, and so on. Sometimes, these events seem less important in retrospect than they do at the time, thanks to hindsight and perspective. Other times, people view these events as extremely crucial turning points for the rest of their lives.
When faced with a be it all and finish it all, it’s important to try to keep your head level. These situations can be stressful or tense, because it can feel like one’s whole life is at stake. However, one can only do so much, even in the face of a critical life event, and it is often easier to achieve major life goals when one is not in a state of fear or panic. It can help to think of similar events that were successfully navigated, even if those events weren’t on the same scale of importance.
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