central idea
nounUK /ˈsɛntrəl aɪˈdɪə/
US /ˈsɛntrəl aɪˈdiːə/
The main thing a story or text is about.
The central idea of the story is that friends help each other.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The most important thought in a plan or discussion.
The central idea of our project is to keep the park clean.
3. The main point an author wants readers to remember.
She wrote the central idea of her essay in the first sentence.
4. The core belief that guides a group or person.
Fairness is the central idea behind their new rules.