bottom line

Definition

The final balance; the amount of money or profit left after everything has been tallied.

Etymology

A reference to the literal bottom line of an income statement or other accounting record.

Example Sentences

• "For quotations using this term, see Citations:bottom line."
• "The bottom line is that there simply are not enough hours in the day to finish all there is to do."
• "I need your lovin' and that's the bottom line / I need your lovin' or just a little time"