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

“That’s honestly the thing that separates him. That’s pretty rare to find.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

The thing you want does not have to disappear before the thing you need is allowed onto the plate.

From Salon ● Sep. 15, 2026

"We all understand that this is just part of the thing," Stacy said.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

I had already given myself the thing they were threatening to withhold.

From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026

Danny thought about how close they were to getting the thing they all wanted—to get to Rio Luna.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova