that’s the thing: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘that's the thing’ mean?
The idiom "that's the thing" is used to emphasize a crucial point or argument in a discussion or conversation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "that's your lot" means that something has come to an end or there is nothing more to be expected or offered. It can be used to express that there is no more of something or that there is no further opportunity or possibility.
The idiom "that's what she said" is a humorous phrase used to draw attention to statements that can be interpreted with a sexual innuendo or double entendre. It can be seen as a form of wordplay or a way to add a humorous twist to a conversation, often used in a lighthearted or joking manner.
"That's the ticket" means that something is just right or exactly what is needed. It can also express approval or agreement with a suggestion or idea.
"That's that on that" means that something has been decided or concluded definitively, leaving no room for further discussion or debate.
The idiom 'that's that' is used to conclude a discussion or resolve a situation, implying that nothing more needs to be said or done about it. It signifies finality and closure.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
The idiom "that's just me" means expressing one's personal opinion or behavior as unique and individual, often used to excuse or justify personal preferences or quirks.
The idiom "that's done it" is used to indicate that something has reached a critical or irreversible point, often referring to a negative outcome or consequence. It implies that a particular action or event has brought about a significant change that cannot be undone.
The idiom "that's all she wrote" means that something is finished or ended, often with a negative or disappointing outcome. It suggests that there is nothing else to be said or done about a situation.
The Essential Interpretation
That's the thing is related to several idiomatic phrases such as "that's that", "that's saying something", "that's done it", "so there", and "that's that on that". These idioms share a similar structure and usage with "that's the thing" and further enhance the meaning and versatility of the phrase.
Starting with "that's that", this idiom is commonly used to indicate an inevitable or conclusive end to a situation or discussion. It is often used when there is nothing more to be said or done about a particular matter. When used in conjunction with "that's the thing", it emphasizes the finality or closure of the main point being made. For example, if someone is discussing a failed business venture, they might say, "It was a difficult decision to close the company, but that's the thing, it just wasn't profitable."
Similarly, "that's saying something" is an idiom that is used to emphasize the significance or importance of a statement. It is often used to highlight a notable or surprising aspect of a situation or achievement. In combination with "that's the thing", it further emphasizes the importance or relevance of the main point being made. For instance, if someone is talking about their friend's incredible work ethic, they might say, "She never misses a deadline, and that's saying something. It's truly remarkable."
Another related idiom is "that's done it", which is used to express a sense of achievement or success. It is often used when a particular action or event has brought about a desired outcome. When used in conjunction with "that's the thing", it underscores the successful completion of the main point being discussed. For example, if someone is describing how they finally fixed their car after several failed attempts, they might say, "I tried everything, but replacing the spark plugs, that's the thing that done it. The engine started right up."
"So there" is an idiom that is used to conclude or summarize a point, similar to "that's that". It is often used to express a sense of finality or certainty. When used in conjunction with "that's the thing", it adds emphasis or emphasis to the conclusion or main point being made. For instance, if someone is explaining why they prefer a certain type of music, they might say, "The lyrics are meaningful, the melodies are catchy, and so there, that's the thing. It just resonates with me."
Finally, "that's that on that" is an idiom that is used to firmly close a discussion or argument. It is often used when there is no room for further debate or disagreement. When combined with "that's the thing", it emphasizes the finality or conclusiveness of the main point being made. For example, if someone is explaining why they don't agree with a controversial opinion, they might say, "I've heard all the arguments, I've considered all the perspectives, and that's the thing on that. I just can't support it."
"that's the thing" is a versatile phrase that can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. It can introduce a main point, express agreement or confirmation, signify understanding or realization, or highlight a difficulty or challenge. When combined with idioms such as "that's that", "that's saying something", "that's done it", "so there", and "that's that on that", it further enhances the meaning and impact of the main point being made. The continued use and evolution of these idioms demonstrate the richness and complexity of the English language and its idiomatic expressions.
Example usage
Examples:
- That's the thing, I specifically told him to be here by 9 AM.
- I can't believe he forgot the concert tickets again, that's the thing with him.
- She always tries to impress others, but that's the thing, no one really cares.
Analysis:
The idiom "that's the thing" is commonly used in spoken language to emphasize a particular point or issue. It can be used to introduce or highlight a specific problem, situation, or fact in a conversation. In the provided examples:
- In the first example, the phrase is used to emphasize the fact that the person had specifically told someone to be somewhere at a certain time.
- The second example uses the idiom to convey frustration or annoyance with someone who repeatedly forgets something.
- The third example illustrates the use of the idiom to indicate that someone's efforts to impress others are futile because no one actually cares.
Overall, "that's the thing" is a versatile idiom that allows speakers to clarify or emphasize an important point or issue during a conversation.
More "Context" idioms
