bottom line, the

Slang definitions & phrases for bottom line, the

bottom line, the

modifier

: a bottom-line matter

noun phrase
  1. The bookkeeping figure showing profit or loss
  2. The result of any computation or estimate, esp one showing total costs: I'll go half if the bottom line's OK
  3. Any final decision or judgment: Let me tell you the bottom line
  4. A fundamental or crucial point of fact; the essence; the NITTY-GRITTY: The bottom line is I am paid to win games, not for goodwill

[1960s+; perhaps fr Yiddish untershte shure, ''bottom line,'' as used in the financial-commercial community]