# the thing is

idiom

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

## Meaning

Used to shift focus to an overriding point or impediment.

## Examples

- I want to help, but the thing is, I am very busy.
- I would love to go to the concert with you, but the thing is, I have an exam the next morning.
- They offered him a generous promotion, yet the thing is, he feels that accepting the position would require a moral compromise he is not prepared to make.

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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.