At the heart of the matter
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
字面意思: At the center/organ of the subject or issue.
Use this phrase to pivot from minor details to the most significant part of a problem.
15秒了解
- The most essential or important part of an issue.
- Used to cut through distractions and find the core truth.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious personal contexts.
意思
This phrase refers to the most central, important, or essential part of a problem or a discussion. It is like looking past all the small details to find the real reason why something is happening.
关键例句
3 / 6In a business meeting
We have discussed the timeline, but at the heart of the matter is our limited budget.
We have discussed the timeline, but the most important thing is our limited budget.
Texting a friend about a dilemma
I know there are many options, but at the heart of the matter, I just want to be happy.
I know there are many options, but the main thing is that I just want to be happy.
Writing an academic essay
At the heart of the matter lies the conflict between individual freedom and social security.
The central issue is the conflict between individual freedom and social security.
文化背景
The metaphor of the 'heart' as the center of something dates back centuries in English literature. It suggests that just as the heart is vital for life, this specific point is vital for understanding the truth. It became especially popular in legal and philosophical debates to distinguish between symptoms and causes.
Sound Like a Leader
Use this phrase when a meeting is getting off-track. It shows you have the clarity to see the real problem.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one email, it sounds repetitive. Save it for your most important point.
15秒了解
- The most essential or important part of an issue.
- Used to cut through distractions and find the core truth.
- Common in professional, academic, and serious personal contexts.
What It Means
Imagine you are peeling a large, complex onion. You remove many layers of thin skin. Finally, you reach the very center. That center is the heart of the matter. In English, this phrase describes the most important part of a problem. It is the core reason why something is happening. It ignores all the small, distracting details. You are looking for the absolute truth of the situation.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to refocus a busy conversation. Sometimes people talk about small, unimportant things for too long. You can stop them politely with this phrase. Say, 'But at the heart of the matter...' and then share your point. It acts like a bright verbal spotlight. It tells everyone to pay attention to what really counts. It is a great way to show leadership during a discussion.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for many professional settings. Use it during a business meeting to solve a tricky problem. It also works beautifully in academic writing or university essays. You can use it in serious personal conversations too. If you are discussing a deep relationship issue, this phrase fits. It shows you are being sincere and very thoughtful. You sound like someone who understands the big picture.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this phrase for silly or small things. If you are choosing a pizza topping, it is too dramatic. Don't say it while joking around with friends at a bar. It might make you sound a bit too serious or stiff. Also, avoid using it more than once in a short talk. It loses its power if you repeat it too often. Keep it for the moments that truly matter.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, the heart is more than just an organ. It is seen as the center of life and human emotion. For hundreds of years, English speakers have used it to mean 'the center.' By saying the heart of the matter, you imply the issue is alive. You are suggesting that this point is the life-force of the topic. It has been a favorite phrase of philosophers and writers for centuries.
Common Variations
You will often hear people say the heart of the issue. Another very common version is the crux of the matter. If you want to sound slightly more modern, try the core of the problem. All of these phrases help you get to the point quickly. They all share the same goal of finding the essential truth. You might also hear people mention the nitty-gritty, but that is more informal.
使用说明
This phrase is highly effective in professional and academic registers. It signals to the listener that you are about to provide a deep insight or a final conclusion.
Sound Like a Leader
Use this phrase when a meeting is getting off-track. It shows you have the clarity to see the real problem.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it three times in one email, it sounds repetitive. Save it for your most important point.
The 'Crux' Alternative
British speakers often use 'the crux of the matter' in the same way. It sounds slightly more sophisticated or old-fashioned.
例句
6We have discussed the timeline, but at the heart of the matter is our limited budget.
We have discussed the timeline, but the most important thing is our limited budget.
Used here to refocus the team on the primary constraint.
I know there are many options, but at the heart of the matter, I just want to be happy.
I know there are many options, but the main thing is that I just want to be happy.
Simplifies a complex personal choice into a single core desire.
At the heart of the matter lies the conflict between individual freedom and social security.
The central issue is the conflict between individual freedom and social security.
A classic way to introduce a thesis or main argument.
He acts like he wants to play, but at the heart of the matter, he just wants my sandwich.
He acts like he wants to play, but really, he just wants my sandwich.
Uses a serious phrase for a funny, trivial situation.
At the heart of the matter, I feel like we aren't spending enough quality time together.
The real problem is that I feel like we aren't spending enough quality time together.
Helps get straight to the emotional core of a relationship issue.
Don't worry about the software; at the heart of the matter, it's about how you treat the clients.
Don't worry about the software; the most important thing is how you treat the clients.
Encouraging and helps the colleague prioritize their focus.
自我测试
Complete the sentence to identify the main problem in a project.
We can talk about the design all day, but ___ is that the website is too slow.
This phrase correctly identifies the 'website speed' as the central, most important problem.
Choose the best phrase to start a deep philosophical statement.
___, humans just want to feel understood.
This phrase is used to introduce a fundamental or essential truth about human nature.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'At the heart of the matter'
Rarely used for small talk or jokes.
At the heart of this pizza is cheese.
Good for serious talks with friends.
At the heart of the matter, I'm just tired.
Perfect for business and academic writing.
At the heart of the matter is the economic crisis.
When to use 'At the heart of the matter'
Boardroom Meeting
Identifying the main financial drain.
University Essay
Explaining the central theme of a book.
Deep Personal Talk
Admitting the real reason for an argument.
Legal Debate
Focusing on the specific law that was broken.
常见问题
10 个问题It means the most important or central part of a situation. For example, 'At the heart of the matter is a lack of trust.'
No, but it is very common there. You can also use it in business meetings or serious personal conversations.
Yes, heart of the issue and heart of the matter are interchangeable. Both are very common.
Only if the topic is serious. If you are texting about a breakup or a big life decision, it works well.
The bottom line usually refers to the final result or the cost. The heart of the matter refers to the central cause or essence.
Always use at. Saying 'in the heart of the matter' sounds unnatural to native speakers.
It can if you use it for small things. Don't use it for things like 'At the heart of the matter, I forgot my keys.'
It comes from the ancient idea that the heart is the center of life and truth. It has been used in English for centuries.
A common mistake is using it for trivial problems. It should be reserved for significant or complex issues.
Yes, it is a great sentence starter. For example: 'At the heart of the matter, we simply need more time.'
相关表达
The crux of the matter
The core of the issue
The bottom line
The long and short of it
The essence of the problem
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