# that's the thing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thats-the-thing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to seize on a point and highlight its comparative importance, especially as a refutation or negation to a statement made by another speaker.

## Examples

- You want to go out, but that's the thing: I have no money.
- Everyone thinks the new project will be easy, but that's the thing; we lack the necessary tools to finish it on time.
- While the committee argues that the policy change is purely administrative, that's the thing—the underlying shift in power dynamics will fundamentally alter our long-term strategy.

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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.