lie at the heart of the matter

lie at the heart of the matter

To be the central part or most crucial element of something. There are many things currently contributing to the homelessness crisis, but ultimately it is the lack of affordable housing that lies at the heart of the matter. A: "He's had so many angry outbursts lately." B: "Well, it's only been a few months since his brother died. I suspect that grief lies at the heart of the matter."

See also: heart, lie, matter, of

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