The heart of the matter Meaning in English

expression

US

thuh HARHT uhv thuh MAT-er

UK

thuh HAHT ov thuh MAT-uh

Definition

The most important, central, or essential part of a problem, situation, or discussion.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic, somewhat formal expression, commonly used in discussions or arguments to highlight the most important issue. Often found as: 'get to the heart of the matter', 'that's the heart of the matter'. Don't confuse with literal meanings involving the heart organ.

• Spanish: el quid de la cuestión - el meollo del asunto
• Portuguese (BR): o cerne da questão - o ponto principal
• Portuguese (PT): o cerne da questão - o ponto principal
• Chinese (Simplified): 问题的核心 - 事情的本质
• Chinese (Traditional): 問題的核心 - 事情的本質
• Hindi: मुद्दे का सार - असली बात
• Arabic: جوهر الموضوع - لبّ الموضوع
• Bengali: মূল বিষয় - সমস্যার আসল ব্যাপার
• Russian: суть дела - сердцевина вопроса
• Japanese: 核心 - 本質
• Vietnamese: trọng tâm vấn đề - cốt lõi của vấn đề
• Korean: 문제의 핵심 - 본질
• Turkish: işin özü - meselenin kalbi
• Urdu: اصل معاملہ - معاملے کی بنیادی بات
• Indonesian: inti permasalahan - pokok permasalahan

Example Sentences

Let's get to the heart of the matter and solve the problem.

basic

She explained the heart of the matter to everyone.

basic

We discussed many things, but the heart of the matter was money.

basic

If you want change, you need to address the heart of the matter.

natural

People keep arguing, but no one talks about the heart of the matter.

natural

Let's stop going in circles and get to the heart of the matter.

natural