it is what it is

American  

[it iz wuht it iz] / ɪt ˌɪz wʌt ɪt ˈɪz /

idiom

1. the situation cannot be helped and must be taken in stride.

   Too bad about the drought ruining your lilies, but it is what it is—our gardens need to fit the current environment.

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Etymology

Origin of it is what it is

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

“This is one of those strange jobs that you got to get on a plane and go. I hate that part of it. But it is what it is.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“That would be ideal,” replies Joe, “but we’ve been famous since we were little kids, so it is what it is.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It would just be so average to go out there and be like, well, we’ve got a freshman quarterback and it is what it is,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule told reporters this week.

From Los Angeles Times

Obviously, we hate the cheaters but it is what it is.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t remember the last time I played in humidity like this. It is what it is, you know, it’s the same for me, my opponent, and every other player. You just have to accept it, deal with it. A lot of sweating. The laundry bills will be quite high this week.”

From The Wall Street Journal