the operative word

The word in a statement that is most important in understanding its intended or true meaning. The police released a statement saying they have not yet filed any charges. The operative word being "yet."

the ˌoperative ˈword

used to emphasize that a particular word or phrase is the most important one in a sentence: I was in love with her — ‘was’ being the operative word.

See also: operative, word

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

operative
and that's a fact
that's why
take (something) with a grain of salt
"I see," said the blind man
take (something) with a pinch of salt
take something with a pinch of salt
take with a pinch of salt
take (something) with a dash of salt
denial

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