Example: Vertrauen ist das A und O in jeder erfolgreichen Beziehung.
Definition
"Das A und O sein" means to be the most essential or fundamental element of something. For example, in the phrase "Vertrauen ist das A und O in jeder erfolgreichen Beziehung," it indicates that trust is the key and indispensable part of any successful relationship.
Translations
be the be-all and end-all
ser lo más importante
het alfa en omega zijn
ser l'essencial
être le b.a.-ba
Etymology
The phrase "das A und O sein" comes from the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, alpha (A) and omega (O), symbolizing the beginning and the end, or everything in between. It has been adopted into German to express something as the ultimate or most crucial aspect of a matter.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Das A und O sein" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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be the be-all and end-all