1. （发言、谈话或文章的）主旨，要点
The gist of a speech, conversation, or piece of writing is its general meaning.
1. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
e.g. the gist of the prosecutor's argument
the heart and soul of the Republican Party
the nub of the story
Synonym: kernelsubstancecorecentercentreessenceheartheart and soulinwardnessmarrowmeatnubpithsumnitty-gritty
2. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work