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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.


Etymology

Origin of it is what it is

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"At this point it is what it is. We're in the Super Bowl now, the last two teams standing," shrugged Patriots tackle Khyiris Tonga.

From Barron's

"I quite like trying to get under people's skin and I'm sure people try to do it to me as well. It is what it is and I'm just looking forward to what's ahead."

From BBC

"Honestly, it is what it is and we are going to adapt," says Azzurri head coach Gonzalo Quesada.

From BBC

"It is what it is, I am not mad about anything," she said.

From Barron's

"I'm just kicking myself because I had to stop pedalling with 20 metres to the line. It is what it is."

From Barron's