Associations to the word «Mainspring»
Wiktionary
MAINSPRING, noun. The principal spring of a clockwork mechanism, that drives it by uncoiling.
MAINSPRING, noun. (figuratively) The most important reason for something.
Dictionary definition
MAINSPRING, noun. The most important spring in a mechanical device (especially a clock or watch); as it uncoils it drives the mechanism.
Wise words
In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; Alike
fantastic, if too new, or old: Be not the first by whom the
new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside.