Language is more than just words; it is about expression, nuance, and creativity. One of the most fascinating ways English adds color and depth is through idioms.
Idioms are phrases or expressions whose meanings go beyond the literal words. They help speakers convey complex ideas in a simple, often imaginative way.
When we talk about “importance,” idioms can be especially useful. Whether you want to emphasize how crucial something is, highlight a priority, or describe a person of influence, idioms for “important” make your communication more vivid and engaging. Instead of saying “
This is very important,” you could say “This is of paramount importance” or “This is the heart and soul of the project.” These expressions not only capture attention but also make your English sound more natural and impactful.
In this article, we will explore over 43 idioms related to importance. We’ll group them by themes, explain their meanings, provide examples, suggest alternatives, and share when and how they are best used. By the end, you’ll have a powerful collection of expressions to make your conversations, writing, and professional communication shine.
Did You Know?
The word idiom comes from the Greek word idiōma, meaning “peculiarity” or “special feature.” Interestingly, idioms about importance often reflect cultural values. For example, “big fish in a small pond” suggests influence depends on context, while “the bottom line” highlights business culture’s focus on essentials.
Idioms That Show Something is Extremely Important
The heart and soul
Meaning: The most vital or central part of something.
Example: “Teachers are the heart and soul of any school system.”
Alternative: The backbone.
Note: Common in both formal and informal speech.
Of paramount importance
Meaning: Something that is more important than anything else.
Example: “Safety is of paramount importance in aviation.”
Alternative: Of utmost importance.
Note: Used in professional and formal contexts.
The be-all and end-all
Meaning: The most important thing; something that matters above all else.
Example: “For her, career success was the be-all and end-all.”
Alternative: The ultimate goal.
Note: Often used in writing or formal speech.
The name of the game
Meaning: The key factor or the most important part.
Example: “In marketing, creativity is the name of the game.”
Alternative: The main thing.
Note: Informal, often in everyday conversations.
The backbone of
Meaning: The essential support or foundation.
Example: “Volunteers are the backbone of this organization.”
Alternative: The pillar.
Note: Common in speeches, articles, or motivational contexts.
The crux of the matter
Meaning: The most important or central point.
Example: “The crux of the matter is how we handle the funding issue.”
Alternative: The core issue.
Note: Suitable in discussions or debates.
The bottom line
Meaning: The most important fact, the essential conclusion.
Example: “The bottom line is that we need more resources.”
Alternative: The key point.
Note: Widely used in business and formal writing.
At the heart of
Meaning: The most central or important part of something.
Example: “At the heart of democracy lies freedom of speech.”
Alternative: The essence of.
Note: Works well in essays, speeches, and discussions.
Idioms Highlighting Priority and Urgency
Top priority
Meaning: The most important task or issue.
Example: “Completing the project is our top priority this week.”
Alternative: First priority.
Note: Common in professional settings.
Put first things first
Meaning: Focus on what is most important before other tasks.
Example: “Before planning the event, let’s put first things first and finalize the budget.”
Alternative: Prioritize.
Note: Daily life and productivity advice.
On the front burner
Meaning: Something that is being treated as urgent and important.
Example: “The merger talks are on the front burner right now.”
Alternative: Top of the agenda.
Note: Informal, often in business.
Burning issue
Meaning: A very important and urgent topic.
Example: “Climate change is a burning issue worldwide.”
Alternative: Hot topic.
Note: Often used in media and public discussions.
In the spotlight
Meaning: Something or someone getting the most attention.
Example: “The new policy is in the spotlight after recent debates.”
Alternative: Center of attention.
Note: Common in both casual and media contexts.
Hot button issue
Meaning: A controversial and important topic.
Example: “Healthcare reform is a hot button issue in politics.”
Alternative: Sensitive issue.
Note: Used in journalism or politics.
Make or break
Meaning: Something that is crucial to success or failure.
Example: “This exam is make or break for my scholarship.”
Alternative: Critical point.
Note: Informal, motivational, and high-stakes contexts.
Idioms for Important People
A big cheese
Meaning: An influential or important person.
Example: “He’s a big cheese in the tech industry.”
Alternative: Big shot.
Note: Informal and playful.
A big shot
Meaning: Someone important or powerful.
Example: “She’s a big shot in Hollywood now.”
Alternative: VIP.
Note: Informal, often used casually.
A big fish in a small pond
Meaning: An important person in a limited environment.
Example: “He’s a big fish in a small pond in his hometown.”
Alternative: Local hero.
Note: Slightly informal, sometimes humorous.
The brains behind
Meaning: The most important person responsible for an idea or project.
Example: “She was the brains behind the new campaign.”
Alternative: The mastermind.
Note: Common in workplaces.
The top brass
Meaning: High-ranking officials or leaders.
Example: “The top brass of the company attended the meeting.”
Alternative: The higher-ups.
Note: Often used in business and military.
Movers and shakers
Meaning: Influential people who make things happen.
Example: “The conference was attended by movers and shakers of the fashion world.”
Alternative: Power players.
Note: Journalistic and professional usage.
A person of note
Meaning: Someone important or notable.
Example: “He is a person of note in the scientific community.”
Alternative: A noteworthy figure.
Note: Formal usage.
The powers that be
Meaning: People in authority or control.
Example: “The decision rests with the powers that be.”
Alternative: Authority figures.
Note: Neutral, often in media or commentary.
Idioms That Emphasize Value or Significance
Worth one’s weight in gold
Meaning: Extremely valuable or important.
Example: “A loyal friend is worth their weight in gold.”
Alternative: Priceless.
Note: Used in personal and emotional contexts.
Carry weight
Meaning: To have influence or importance.
Example: “His opinion carries weight in the community.”
Alternative: Hold significance.
Note: Both formal and informal usage.
Pull rank
Meaning: Use one’s authority to gain advantage.
Example: “She pulled rank to get the project approved.”
Alternative: Exercise power.
Note: Common in workplace or hierarchy contexts.
Cut to the chase
Meaning: Focus on the important part, skip the details.
Example: “Let’s cut to the chase and talk about the results.”
Alternative: Get to the point.
Note: Informal, conversational.
Heavyweight
Meaning: An important and influential person.
Example: “He’s a heavyweight in the music industry.”
Alternative: Influencer.
Note: Informal, but widely understood.
Of the essence
Meaning: Very important and urgent.
Example: “Time is of the essence in this operation.”
Alternative: Critical.
Note: Often used in business and law.
Rule of thumb
Meaning: A general principle, often important for guidance.
Example: “A good rule of thumb is to double-check your work.”
Alternative: Guideline.
Note: Casual but practical.
Stand out
Meaning: To be important or noticeable among others.
Example: “Her dedication makes her stand out from the team.”
Alternative: Shine.
Note: Common in personal and professional praise.
How to Use These Idioms in Daily Life
- In speaking: Idioms make your conversations natural and engaging. Instead of saying, “This is very important,” say, “This is the crux of the matter.”
- In writing: Use idioms to make essays, reports, and articles more expressive. For instance, in a business report, you could write, “The bottom line is clear.”
- In professional usage: Idioms like “of paramount importance” or “time is of the essence” add weight to formal communication and presentations.
Common Mistakes Learners Make With Idioms
- Using idioms too literally
- Wrong: “He is worth his weight in gold because he eats too much.”
- Correct: “He is worth his weight in gold because of his loyalty.”
- Mixing idioms incorrectly
- Wrong: “She’s the bottom fish in the game.”
- Correct: “She’s a big fish in a small pond.”
- Overusing idioms
- Wrong: “The crux of the matter, the bottom line, and the heart and soul are all the same.”
- Correct: Choose one idiom that fits best.
FAQs
1. What does it mean when something is “of paramount importance”?
It means it is more important than anything else, often used in formal or professional settings.
2. Can idioms be used in academic writing?
Yes, but sparingly. Use clear idioms like “the crux of the matter” or “at the heart of” to emphasize points.
3. Are idioms formal or informal?
Both. Some idioms like “big cheese” are informal, while others like “of the essence” are formal.
4. Do native speakers use idioms often?
Yes, idioms are very common in daily speech, journalism, and even professional communication.
5. How can I practice idioms for importance?
Try replacing plain words with idioms in your sentences and practice them in conversations.
Conclusion
Idioms for importance give you the power to emphasize value, highlight priority, and describe influential people with ease.
Instead of repeating plain words like “important” or “valuable,” you now have dozens of colorful expressions to choose from.
Whether you’re in a casual chat, a workplace meeting, or writing an essay, these idioms can make your language richer and more effective.
Mastering them not only improves your fluency but also helps you sound more like a native speaker. So next time you want to stress importance, don’t just say it—express it with an idiom!
