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Collocation

that's the thing

Fixed expression B2 Fixed expression

Used to introduce the most important fact, problem, or explanation in a situation. It often implies a contradiction or a complicating factor that changes the listener's initial assumption.

that's the thing: Used to introduce the most important fact, problem, or explanation in a situation. It often implies a cont…

Definition

'that's the thing' is a common English collocation. Used to introduce the most important fact, problem, or explanation in a situation. It often implies a contradiction or a complicating factor that changes the listener's initial assumption.

fixed phrase

“We could go hiking tomorrow, but that's the thing – the weather forecast is terrible.”

Examples

  • You want to borrow my car? Well, that's the thing, it's in the shop right now.
  • I know we planned to leave early, but that's the thing, I have an unexpected meeting.
  • She said she'd be here by seven, but that's the thing, she never actually confirmed.
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  • It seems like an easy fix, but that's the thing, we don't have the right tools for it.
  • He promised to help us out, but that's the thing, he's notoriously unreliable with deadlines.
  • Everyone thinks this project is simple, but that's the thing, it requires a lot of preparation.
  • We could just buy a new one, but that's the thing, this old lamp has sentimental value to me.
  • You might expect a quick solution from the committee, but that's the thing, it's a deeply complex problem.
  • They always seem so happy and perfect, but that's the thing, you never truly know what's going on behind closed doors.
  • I'd love to join you for dinner tonight, but that's the thing, I already have other plans with my family.

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