it all boils down to

boil (something) down to (something)

To reduce or simplify something to the most basic, essential, or fundamental element(s). Don't overcomplicate your goals and strategies. Boil them down do the essentials—what you want, and how to get them. Make sure you boil your proposal down to the most basic details of what you want to do. Don't start adding superfluous info, or the boss will lose interest.
See also: boil, down
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

it all boils down to

it amounts to or is in essence.
Boiling down a liquid means reducing its volume and concentrating it by evaporation.
1998 Times And why are deals getting more complex? Unsurprisingly it all boils down to profit.
See also: all, boil, down
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • boil (something) down to (something)
  • boil down to
  • boil down to something
  • boil down to, to
  • KISS principle
  • KISS rule
  • boil
  • on the boil
  • I don't boil my cabbage twice
  • boil over
References in periodicals archive
What it all boils down to is that Terror is a band whose members have a deep knowledge and appreciation for the kind of music they play, and they play what they like.
Terror
It all boils down to an enterprise-level business management system integrating a company's financials with human resources with sales and marketing with manufacturing with inventory and supply.
What software do you need?
Take a Liz quiz, do a few just-for-fun fill-in-the-blanks, and get answers to frequently asked questions, like, "My parents drink, so why shouldn't I?" It all boils down to doing what's right and staying true to wonderful you!
The Good, the Bad and the Girly
So, it all boils down to this choice: to go abroad or not.
ANSWERS 4 DANCERS
Bob Petersen, managing director at Greater Community Financial in Clifton, N.J., thinks it all boils down to a question of priorities.
Being there
It all boils down to cornering the block advertising revenue of the big entertainment conglomerates, but how many information sources do we really need to tell us that First Wives Club is playing in the theater down the street?
Alley daze
What It All Boils Down To. There is no clear winner in the Water Derby.
Water: safe to swallow?