# it is what it is

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/it-is-what-it-is
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

That's life; expressing resignment to a situation or set of circumstances, usually without complaint

## Examples

- The bus is late again, but it is what it is.
- We lost the game because of a bad referee call, but it is what it is.
- Although the budget cuts were unexpected and frustrating, the manager simply shrugged and noted that it is what it is.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.