root of all evil
A set phrase meaning the fundamental cause or origin of all wrongdoing or misfortune. Often used in moral, religious, or philosophical contexts.
The love of money is said to be the root of all evil.
A compound of 諸悪 (all evils) and 根源 (root, source). The phrase is a direct translation of the biblical 'root of all evil' (1 Timothy 6:10) and is used in similar moral contexts.