Phrase Finder

Meaning

The root of the matter

The meaning of the phrase

The essential or inner part of something.

The powers that be
The powers that be

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘The root of the matter’?

From the Bible, Job 19:28 (King James Version):

But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the Root of the matter is found in me?

Historical trend

“The root of the matter” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • The root of the matter