the name of the game

the name of the game

The most important aspect or component of something; the main point of an activity. Getting strike-outs is the name of the game when you're a pitcher. I hope you boys know that safety compliance is the name of the game around here. We don't tolerate any tomfoolery.
See also: game, name, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

name of the game

Inf. the way things are; the way things can be expected to be. The name of the game is money, money, money. I can't help it. That's the name of the game.
See also: game, name, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

name of the game, the

The crux of the matter; also, the main goal. For example, Getting them to admit they're wrong-that's the name of the game, or Parents don't approve of a coach who insists that winning any way one can is the name of the game . This rhyming idiom uses name in the sense of "identity." [Mid-1900s]
See also: name, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

the name of the game

COMMON If you say that a particular thing is the name of the game in a situation or activity, you mean that it is the thing you must achieve in order to succeed. Secrecy was the name of the game and Yates was good at it. In the current economic climate, survival is the name of the game.
See also: game, name, of
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

the name of the game

the main purpose or most important aspect of a situation. informal
See also: game, name, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the name of the ˈgame

(informal) the thing that is considered central or really important in a particular situation: Survival is the name of the game when you’re in the jungle. In the art world good publicity is the name of the game, not talent.
See also: game, name, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the name of the game

n. the way things are; the way things can be expected to be. The name of the game is money, money, money.
See also: game, name, of
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

name of the game, the

The heart of the matter, the true purpose. The origin of this twentieth-century Americanism is uncertain, but Eric Partridge believed it came from sports, where either a coach or a sportswriter would say it in the sense of, “Scoring the most runs—that’s the name of the game” (i.e., the ultimate goal). A popular television series entitled The Name of the Game (1968–71), which was developed from a 1966 film, Fame Is the Name of the Game, helped the expression gain currency.
See also: name, of
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • name of the game
  • name of the game, the
  • bright side
  • down to (someone or something)
  • down to somebody/something
  • selling point
  • the reverse of the medal
  • consist
  • consist in (something)
  • go into detail(s)
References in periodicals archive
Critique: A dark thriller about pursuing wealth through cold-blooded, criminal cynicism, The Name of the Game is a Kidnapping keeps the reader hooked from first page to last.
The Name of the Game is a Kidnapping
Defense was the name of the game for the Blue Eagles as they held the Knights to a disastrous 30 percent shooting, 21-of-70, while they converted on a fairly decent 39 percent clip, 26-of-66.
Ateneo returns to Filoil action with drubbing of Letran
GERRY GOODALL says stability is the name of the game after taking over at relegation-threatened Drumbo last week.
GOODALL'S DRUM ROLL
IKECHI ANYA says going for goals will be the name of the game against Gibraltar on Sunday - but insists patience could be the key to success.
Wing ace: Patience willreap rewards Wing ace:
Alongside him was Susan Saint James, who was less known to British audiences but had made her name in America with her first big acting role - the 1966 TV movie, Fame is the Name of the Game. This led to her first TV series, The Name of the Game, which won her an Emmy.
Crimefighting couple with a real [...]; ...because telly isn't as good as it used to be REWIND
NOSTALGIA will be the name of the game at Curraheen Park tomorrow when there will be a Red Mills Irish Laurels Reunion.
Down memory lane for Laurels
"If you are a striker, you know what the name of the game is," said Moyes.
Strikers judged by their goal tally
As you can imagine, when it comes to 'bums, poos and wees', order is not the name of the game and the (child) narrator wonders what would happen if nappies ran out at the Babies Party at the Palace?
Allan, Nicolas: The Royal Nappy
The name of the game isn't common sense; it is liability and the almighty dollar.
Warning: lawsuit ahead
Here, tilting and tapping is the name of the game, as your circular dough hero seeks to survive increasingly challenging stages of skeletons, rolling through them or splatting them from above.
PIZZA VS SKELETONS, iPad, pounds 1.99 [...]; GAME ZONE THE LATEST RELEASES IN A CONSOLE WORLD
PARTYING is the name of the game at one of the highlights of the Redcar and Cleveland calendar - and music fans are snapping up tickets!
It's party time at the Priory
Problem Solving is the name of the game, as Year 5 pupils take on the role of Peer Mediators.
Problem solved; OUR SCHOOL
Why do you favour politics son, This I don't really see, Well, apparently mum, The name of the game, Seems to be simply what's in it for me!
Poets' corner; Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net
Statistics are the name of the game, and Boston seeks to help readers know when to throw it all in, and when to back off and wait for the hot streak to come.
Omaha High-Low