thick of things: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘thick of things’ mean?
The idiom "thick of things" means being fully involved or deeply immersed in a situation or activity. It implies a state of being in the center of action or the most intense part of an event or experience.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to the gills" is used to describe something or someone that is completely full, often to the point of overflowing or being overwhelmed.
The idiom "thick as thieves" means to be very close or friendly with someone, often implying a secretive or conspiratorial relationship.
The idiom "thick and threefold" means something is very prevalent or abundant, often in a negative or overwhelming sense. It emphasizes the excessive or overwhelming nature of a situation or condition.
The idiom *thick and thin* means to be with someone or support them in all situations, whether they are good or bad. It implies loyalty and unwavering commitment.
The idiom "the thing of it" is used to express the difficulty or complexity of a situation or problem. It emphasizes the challenging aspect of a particular matter.
The idiom "stuffed to the gills" means to be completely full or overly satisfied, usually in reference to eating or drinking. It implies being unable to consume any more due to being overwhelmed by the amount or quantity consumed.
The idiom "piece of the action" means being involved in a share or part of an exciting or profitable activity or venture.
The idiom "one of those things" refers to a situation or event that is out of one's control, often unexpected or difficult to explain or understand.
The idiom "make heavy going of" means to find something difficult, slow, or challenging to accomplish. It implies that the task at hand requires a lot of effort and progress is slow.
The idiom "lay it on thick" means to exaggerate or overdo something, especially when expressing emotions or flattery, in order to create a stronger impact or influence on someone.
Delve Deeper
The idiom *in the thick of* is closely related to *thick of things* and shares a similar meaning. Just like *thick of things*, *in the thick of* also describes being fully immersed or deeply involved in a particular situation. However, *in the thick of* places more emphasis on the intensity or level of activity within that situation. It suggests being in the midst of a chaotic or highly active event, where one's attention, energy, and focus are concentrated.
When used in conversation or writing, the idiom *in the thick of* often depicts a state of being at the epicenter of an ongoing event or period. It implies being right in the middle of the action, actively engaging with the challenges and demands that arise. This idiom is frequently used to describe individuals who are deeply involved in significant or critical moments, such as during a conflict, a crisis, or a fast-paced project. It paints a picture of someone who is at the forefront, actively participating and making critical decisions.
While *thick of things* portrays a sense of being immersed and involved, *in the thick of it* intensifies that experience by emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the situation. The addition of the word "it" adds a layer of complexity and suggests an environment that may be chaotic or challenging to navigate. "In the thick of it" implies being caught up in a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, or tasks, where the pace is fast and the demands are high. It conveys the sense of being fully engulfed in a situation that requires a high level of engagement and attention.
This idiom can be used in various contexts to describe being deeply involved or enmeshed in a specific endeavor. For example, one might say they are *in the thick of it* when referring to a demanding work project, a complex negotiation, or a highly competitive situation. It can also be used in personal contexts to describe being immersed in emotional dynamics or involved in a situation that requires constant attention and effort.
The idioms *thick of things*, *in the thick of*, and *in the thick of it* are all incredibly useful expressions for conveying a state of being actively and deeply involved in a particular event, project, or period of time. Through their usage, they capture the essence of being fully immersed, engaged, and often overwhelmed, evoking a vivid imagery of individuals navigating the complexities and demands of a busy and consequential situation. These idioms have become firmly entrenched in the English language, allowing us to describe and articulate the experience of being at the heart of the action in a concise and impactful manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "thick of things" can be used in a sentence:
1. "During the conference, the CEO was right in the thick of things, making important decisions and guiding the team."
2. "When the storm hit, the volunteers were in the thick of things, helping people evacuate and providing essential supplies."
3. "As a journalist, I like to be in the thick of things, witnessing events firsthand and reporting on them."
More "Participation" idioms
