chief thing

The chief thing you could send to help the present operations would be more ammunition.

So Jim was sent to a good school, but was taught at home by precept and example that to get money was the chief thing.

Good stuffing has always been considered a chief thing in cookery.

He appeared to be very well able to support her daughter, which was the chief thing.

But the chief thing is that the money itself is dedicated wholly for use out among needy men.