# the important thing

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-important-thing
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to point out the most necessary or meaningful part of a situation.

## Examples

- You lost the game, but the important thing is that you tried.
- We missed our train and arrived late, but the important thing is that we are all safe.
- Although the project faced numerous setbacks and budget cuts, the important thing remains that the team successfully delivered the final product on time.

---

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.