‘Thing’ may not seem the most exciting word, but it features in a very large number of informal expressions that are often used in conversation.
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THE MAIN THING
Starting with a very common spoken phrase, the main thing means ‘what is most important in this situation’:
I don’t know how much money she earns but she’s happy and that’s the main thing.
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THE WHOLE THING
This expression can be used to mean ‘everything related to a particular activity or situation’:
I love everything about teaching – the kids, my subject, being part of a team – the whole thing.
He had a really miserable few months there. I think he just wants to forget the whole thing.
THE THING IS...
The informal phrase the thing is introduces a fact that is relevant to a situation, often because it could cause difficulties:
I’d invite Olivia too but the thing is, she doesn’t get on with Lucy.
I’d join you but the thing is, I have to be home by nine o’clock.
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THE FUNNY / SAD / STRANGE THING IS...
You might say the funny / sad / strange, etc. thing is before you mention a particular aspect of a situation:
She made us go to this really expensive restaurant, but the funny thing is, she ate almost nothing.
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IT'S A ... THING
If someone doesn’t understand something that you have mentioned, you might explain by saying It’s a boy / girl / vegan, etc. thing. meaning that it is something that only that particular group of people know about:
‘What was that word you used – ‘aquafaba’?’ ‘Yeah, it’s bean water. Don’t worry, it’s a vegan thing.’
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ONTO A GOOD THING
If you say someone is onto a good thing, you mean they have discovered a way to have an easy life or to make lots of money:
He just assumed she was wealthy and thought he was onto a good thing.
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THINGS
Finally, the plural form things is often used to mean ‘life generally’: Things have been going pretty well recently. / How are things, then?
From Dictionaryblog.cambridge.org
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