the heart of the matter

the heart of the matter

The most important, basic, or fundamental essence or elements of an issue, problem, or matter at hand. Thank you all for attending this staff meeting. Before we get to the heart of the matter, I'd like to assure each of you that your jobs are secure. Here's the heart of the matter, Bill. We feel like you're performance has been slipping recently.
See also: heart, matter, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*the heart of the matter

the central issue of the matter. (Crux is an old word meaning "cross." *Typically: be at ~; get at ~; go to ~; look at ~.) All right, this is the crux of the matter. It's about time that we got to the heart of the matter.
See also: heart, matter, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

the ˈheart of the matter

the most central and important part of a situation, problem, etc: And now we come to the heart of the matter. Who is going to pay for all this?
See also: heart, matter, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • heart and soul
  • root of the matter
  • root of the matter, the
  • the root of the matter
  • crux
  • crux of the matter
  • crux of the matter, the
  • the crux of the matter
  • the meat of the matter
  • the root of the issue
References in classic literature
But the heart of the matter is the business of my chief, Ardshiel."
Kidnapped
These were all factors which had to be taken into consideration, and yet none of them got quite to the heart of the matter. What was the starting-point of this chain of events?
Memoirs of Sherloc Holmes
We are sure to come at the heart of the matter by your means, little woman."
Bleak House
Next time you quote, try not leaving out the heart of the matter.
The heart of the matter
Summary: This issue is really the heart of the matter.
Who's in charge at home? You or your children?
The Heart of the Matter -- a title which probably sprang to mind in an instant -- is an example of art and medicine coming together to both inform and provoke wonder.
For anyone who has a heart, here's a fascinating exhibition at Great North Museum: Hancock; The exhibition, with 3D models of the organ and a triple screen animation, focuses on the intricacy of the human heart
The Heart of the Matter - a title which probably sprang to mind in an instant - is an example of art and medicine coming together to both inform and provoke wonder.
Have a heart? You'll love this spectacle; No prizes for guessing which of our vital organs can sustain a major exhibition incorporating art and medicine. DAVID WHETSTONE takes a look at The Heart of the Matter which has opened in Newcastle
"The Heart of the Matter: A Workbook and Guide to Finding Your Way Back to Self-Love" by spiritual/personal growth author and teacher, inspirational blogger, self-love advocate, and independent filmmaker, Joffre McClung answers these questions and more.
The Heart of the Matter
GRAHAM Greene's The Heart of the Matter (1948) is a novel obsessed with its own medium.
"IF I WERE IN A BOOK": LANGUAGE AND SACRAMENT IN GRAHAM GREENE'S THE HEART OF THE MA TTER
The Software Craftsman: Professionalism, Pragmatism, Pride teaches the basics of how to be a better developer and how to deliver better products, and avoids the usual jargon and wide-ranging focus on agile processes to focus on the heart of the matter: coding craftsmanship.
The Software Craftsman
According to Pratt, in our chronic, cultural avoidance of fear, we miss the heart of the matter, and in that, miss the way through the fear and into a new way of living.
The Heart of Fear on November 4 Why Shamanism Now Radio Show with Shaman and Host Christina Pratt
Mr Wardle's letter gets to the heart of the matter. He stated that "it is an important part of their position that they are somewhat remote from the public and in a much higher position...
Bar nobody from head of state role; FEEDBACK
The heart of the matter is utterly straightforward: Jews have no more urgent interest than the energetic pursuit of their values.
On Jewish values
The second session, which concluded on 18 March, entered into the heart of the matter. "We had substantive and useful discussions on a range of subjects, including enrichment [of uranium], the Arak reactor, cooperation on civil applications and sanctions," reads the statement.
IRAN NUCLEAR TALKS TO CONTINUE IN APRIL
HOSPITAL specialists are getting to the heart of the matter after a new cardiac pathway team has been set up for patients with chest pains or an acute heart problem.
Pathway team to help patients with chest pain or heart issues