When it comes to expressing the significance of something, the word “important” is often used, but it can sometimes feel repetitive or lack variety. Using idioms not only spices up your language but also helps convey the gravity of the subject matter more vividly. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or simply engaging in casual conversation, idioms for “important” can help you sound more polished and interesting.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 idiomatic expressions that you can use to convey importance. Each idiom will be explained in detail with examples to ensure you fully grasp how to incorporate them into your everyday language.
1. Big Deal
This expression is commonly used to highlight something or someone as important, often with an air of seriousness or emphasis. It can also be used sarcastically to point out that something isn’t as significant as people might think.
- Example: “Winning the award is a big deal in the industry, and it could open many doors for you.”
2. At the Heart of
This idiom emphasizes the central or core importance of something or someone in a particular situation.
- Example: “She is at the heart of the company’s success, always coming up with groundbreaking ideas.”
3. A Matter of Life and Death
This idiom is used to describe something that is extremely important, often with an urgent or serious tone, as if the consequences are severe.
- Example: “For a doctor, making the right diagnosis is a matter of life and death.”
4. Pivotal
Something that is pivotal is crucial, key, or central to the development or outcome of a particular situation.
- Example: “His role in the project is pivotal, and without him, we wouldn’t have made it this far.”
5. In the Spotlight
If someone or something is in the spotlight, it is the center of attention, often because it holds significant importance.
- Example: “The CEO is in the spotlight today due to the announcement of the new company strategy.”
6. Make or Break
This idiom refers to a situation or decision that will determine the success or failure of a particular event or outcome.
- Example: “This presentation could be make or break for the deal, so we need to make sure everything is perfect.”
7. The Crux of the Matter
This phrase refers to the most crucial or essential point of a discussion or situation.
- Example: “The crux of the matter lies in whether we can meet the client’s deadline or not.”
8. A Turning Point
A turning point is an important moment in a process that marks a significant change or shift.
- Example: “The signing of that contract was a turning point for the company, leading to exponential growth.”
9. A Key Player
Used to describe someone or something that is essential to the success of a group or situation.
- Example: “John has been a key player in the team, and his insights have been instrumental in securing the deal.”
10. A Critical Juncture
This idiom describes a moment or stage in a process where important decisions need to be made.
- Example: “We’re at a critical juncture in the negotiations, and the next few hours will be decisive.”
11. Make Waves
To make waves means to have a significant impact, often disrupting the norm or causing a stir.
- Example: “Her innovative approach to marketing really made waves in the industry.”
12. High Stakes
This idiom refers to situations where there is a lot to gain or lose, and the outcome is of major importance.
- Example: “The upcoming merger is a high-stakes deal for both companies involved.”
13. A Game-Changer
When something or someone is a game-changer, it is a factor that alters the course of events in a significant way.
- Example: “The introduction of AI technology was a game-changer for the company, revolutionizing its operations.”
14. A Cornerstone
This idiom refers to something that is essential and forms the basis or foundation of something important.
- Example: “Trust is the cornerstone of any successful business relationship.”
15. Invaluable
Describing something as invaluable emphasizes how essential and irreplaceable it is.
- Example: “Her knowledge of the industry is invaluable to the team’s success.”
16. A Matter of Grave Importance
This phrase is used to emphasize that something is of very serious or significant concern.
- Example: “The environmental crisis is a matter of grave importance that requires immediate attention.”
17. Of the Essence
This idiom stresses that something is critically important, often in terms of time or urgency.
- Example: “In negotiations, time is of the essence, so we need to make a decision quickly.”
18. Top Priority
When something is described as top priority, it means it is the most important task or issue to focus on.
- Example: “The safety of our employees is always top priority in our company’s operations.”
19. The Bottom Line
Refers to the most important point, usually in the context of business or finance. It often signifies the final outcome or result.
- Example: “The bottom line is that we need to increase our sales by 20% to remain profitable.”
20. A Pillar of Strength
This idiom is used to describe someone or something that is essential to providing support or stability.
- Example: “Her guidance has been a pillar of strength in our efforts to expand the business.”
21. Make or Break Moment
Refers to a critical situation where the outcome will either lead to success or failure.
- Example: “The upcoming meeting will be make or break for our partnership with the client.”
22. A Key to Success
Describing something or someone as a key to success means they are crucial for achieving desired outcomes.
- Example: “Building strong customer relationships is a key to success in the retail industry.”
23. A Game Plan
This idiom refers to a strategy or approach that is essential for achieving a successful outcome.
- Example: “Having a clear game plan for the project is critical for meeting the deadline.”
24. A Touchstone
Something that serves as an ideal standard or benchmark for comparison is called a touchstone.
- Example: “His work has always been a touchstone for quality in the industry.”
25. A Watershed Moment
A watershed moment refers to an event or situation that marks a turning point or significant change.
- Example: “The first successful manned mission to Mars was a watershed moment in space exploration.”
26. The Driving Force
The driving force is the key element or person that propels or motivates a process or action.
- Example: “Innovation has always been the driving force behind our company’s growth.”
27. A Beacon of Hope
Used to describe something or someone that provides inspiration and guidance during a difficult time.
- Example: “The charitable organization has been a beacon of hope for many in need.”
28. A Lifeline
A lifeline is something that is essential for survival or success in a critical situation.
- Example: “The financial aid provided by the government has been a lifeline for struggling small businesses.”
29. A Foundation Stone
This phrase refers to something that is fundamental or crucial to the stability and success of something else.
- Example: “Customer feedback is a foundation stone of our product development process.”
30. A Driving Factor
This idiom emphasizes the core reason or motivation behind a specific action or outcome.
- Example: “Sustainability is a driving factor in our new product line, ensuring environmental responsibility.”
Conclusion
These additional idioms further enrich your vocabulary for expressing importance. By weaving them into your speech or writing, you not only sound more articulate but also engage your audience with diverse, colorful language. Whether you’re discussing a key player in a project or a pivotal moment in history, these idiomatic expressions will add depth and nuance to your communication.
Incorporating these idioms will help you express a wide range of significance, from urgent situations to the foundation of long-term success, making your language more impactful and engaging.