lifeblood
Translation
vital force, essential element, blood
Examples
Tourism is the lifeblood of the local economy.
Tourism is the lifeblood of the local economy.
The river is the lifeblood of this entire region.
The river is the lifeblood of this entire region.
Grammar Patterns
the lifeblood of ((sth.)) Tourism is the lifeblood of the local economy.
Similar Words
Synonyms: essence, core, heart, soul
Etymology
A compound of 'life' and 'blood'. Literally, the blood that sustains life, used metaphorically for any vital element.
Memory Tips
Think of blood flowing through the body to keep it alive. 'Lifeblood' is what keeps a system (like an economy or a community) alive.