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The root of the matter

What's the meaning of the phrase 'The root of the matter'?

The essential or inner part of something.

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?

The history of “The root of the matter” in printed materials

Trend of the root of the matter in printed material over time

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
The root of the matter

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