PhrasesHub

The bottom line

    Definitions

      • final result or outcome
        Refers to the overall conclusion or main point of a discussion or situation. Usually used to emphasize the most important or decisive part of a topic or issue.

      • most important factor
        Refers to the key element or determining factor in a situation or decision. Can also be used to describe the most critical aspect of a project or task.

      • financial profit or loss
        Indicates the net result of a financial situation or transaction, typically used in business or professional contexts. Can also refer to the ultimate financial impact or success of a project or venture.

    Examples of The bottom line

    • The company's profits have been dwindling for the past quarter, but we're hoping to turn things around by the end of the year. The bottom line is, we need to cut costs and increase revenue if we want to stay afloat.

      "The bottom line" is a financial idiom that refers to the net profit or loss of a business. It's used to emphasize the most important or significant aspect of a situation, especially when discussing financial matters. In this example, the speaker is using the idiom to emphasize that the ultimate goal is to make a profit, and that all decisions and actions should be made with that in mind.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "the bottom line" is often used to summarize or emphasize the most important aspect or result of a situation. It can refer to the final outcome or conclusion of a discussion, as well as the key factor or critical element in a decision or project. Additionally, it is commonly used in a financial context to describe the ultimate profit or loss of a transaction or venture.

    Origin of "The bottom line"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to bookkeeping and accounting practices. In accounting, the bottom line refers to the final line on a financial statement, which shows the net profit or loss. This term was then adopted into everyday language to indicate the ultimate result or outcome of a situation.

    The idiom may also have origins in the phrase "the bottom dollar," which refers to the last or remaining dollar in someone's possession. This phrase was often used in gambling, where players would bet their entire fortune and the last dollar would be the determining factor in their success or failure.

    Overall, the idiom "the bottom line" has evolved to encompass various meanings related to summarizing or emphasizing the most important aspect or result of a situation, whether it be financial or otherwise.