Definition of "crux of the matter" []

• The most important point (noun)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "The crux of the matter of extinction—the extinction of Raphus cucullatus or any species—is not who or what kills the last individual."
• "The crux of the matter was axiomatic, resting on the inherent nature of the bank: “The institution having no principles but that of avarice, which dries and shrivels up all the manly, generous feelings of the human soul, will never be varied in its object, and if continued, will . . . engross all the wealth, power, and influence in the state.”"