What is another word for root of the matter?
Pronunciation: [ɹˈuːt ɒvðə mˈatə] (IPA) 
When trying to get to the "root of the matter," there are plenty of synonyms and phrases you can use to convey the same idea. For example, you might say you're trying to identify the "crux" or "essence" of the issue at hand. Or, you may use phrases like "get to the heart of the matter," "bottom line," or "meat and potatoes" to express that you're digging deeper to find the most important aspect of the situation. Other alternatives might include "nitty-gritty," "central point," or "main issue." Ultimately, the important thing is to find the wording that resonates most with your audience and clearly conveys the significance of what you're trying to solve or explore.
