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

According to Prince-Bythewood, helming “The Woman King” felt like the thing she’d been working toward her entire career.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

"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

A machine can collect, compare and collate tremendous amounts of information, but it can’t do the thing that matters most of all—decide what has genuine value for human lives.

From The Wall Street Journal ● 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

Now, finally, on a Saturday morning, he was ready to give the thing a try in front of the whole family.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry