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

It simply did not add up to the thing I had gone there to find.

From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2026

But here’s the thing: All the money the Dodgers lavish upon their major league roster isn’t what made the trade for Skubal possible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026

"It hasn't properly hit me how this is the thing I've been telling myself all the horrible bits are for," she said.

From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026

“Where the Americans helped us in the ’90s when conventional warfare was the thing, that’s not the case today.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

J.W. snapped at the thing in the road, then jumped an easy five foot in the air.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck