the thing

Idioms  

1. Also, the in thing. Something in style or vogue, the latest trend. For example, Wearing oversized clothes is the thing these days, or Vans and sports utility vehicles have been the in thing for some time now. The first term dates from the mid-1700s; the second, which uses in in the sense of “popular,” dates from the mid-1900s. Also see the latest.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

the thing

"But the thing that will carry on regardless is the innovation culture. It's 2,000 companies, not a single individual."

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

It’s like that scene in ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ where he puts his hand in the thing, and you’re like, ‘Oh no!’

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

On ICYMI, host Kate Lindsay and Slate tech editor Tony Ho Tran break down the digital do’s and don’ts for couples, and argue that the thing that ruined dating might actually be making relationships better.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2026

When the thing dies, the worms fall away to reveal that it wasn’t always a demon, but a boar god felled by a dark force.

From Salon ● Jul. 22, 2026

I said I wanted to do the thing he’d said.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler