the thing is

Idioms  

1. The issue, main point, or problem is, as in The thing is, we haven't enough money for the tickets. [Colloquial; late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

“When the time is right, I will be. But right now, just trying to be in the present moment and focus on this. But the thing is my kids do come first.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

In reference to the Palace, she said: "It's great that they've made a statement, finally. But the thing is, are they going to actually act on it?"

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

And the thing is, it wasn’t a thing that became popular because of what happened, because it’s still here 30 years later.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

But the thing is, taurine pills have never been shown to offer significant health advantages.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2025

“He denies it all quite convincingly and the thing is, he expects me to play along with him, you know, pretend it never happened,” he said.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt