thing

thing — noun

1. any physical object that people can see or touch, used when the exact name is no

1.nounA1
Definition

any physical object that people can see or touch, used when the exact name is not known or does not matter

Example

What is that round thing on the kitchen table?

question: what + is + that [adjective] thing + location

Asher asked his mother what the blue thing in the box was.

Common collocations
  • little thing
  • small thing
  • big thing
  • round thing
  • strange thing
Synonyms
  • object

    more formal than 'thing', used in technical or serious contexts

  • item

    suggests one of several objects in a list or group

  • article

    formal; used for objects in legal, commercial, or impersonal descriptions

Grammar Patterns

a [adjective] thing

the [adjective] thing

Usage Note

Frequently used with demonstratives (this/that/these/those) or adjectives before the word to describe the object's appearance or state.

Common Mistakes

I saw a thing in the street.' (when you want to be specific in a story).
I saw a man in a red jacket standing on the corner.
'thing' is too vague for an important character in a description; use a specific noun instead.

2. clothes, tools, bags, or other objects that belong to a person or are needed for

2.nounA2
Definition

clothes, tools, bags, or other objects that belong to a person or are needed for a particular activity

Example

Dewi packed all her things into two big bags.

collocation: pack [possessive] things

Do not forget to take your things when you leave the bus.

Common collocations
  • pack one's things
  • take one's things
  • gather one's things
  • swimming things
  • painting things
Synonyms
  • belongings

    more formal than 'things'; used for everything a person owns

  • stuff

    informal; uncountable, used in everyday speech for a collection of objects

  • possessions

    formal; suggests items of value that one owns permanently

Grammar Patterns

someone's things

pack one's things

take one's things

Usage Note

Always used in the plural form 'things' when referring to a person's belongings. Used with possessive adjectives (my/your/his/her/their things) or possessive names (Emma's things).

3. a group of objects that are used together for a specific activity, especially in

3.nounB1
Definition

a group of objects that are used together for a specific activity, especially in or around the home

Example

Please put the tea things on the table for our guests.

phrase: 'the [activity] things' for a set of items

Grandma keeps her sewing things in that old basket by the window.

Common collocations
  • tea things
  • cooking things
  • sewing things
  • painting things
  • washing things
Synonyms
  • set

    focuses on completeness and matching items

  • kit

    portable set for an activity, often in a bag or box

  • equipment

    more formal; tools and gear for a task or sport

Grammar Patterns

the [activity] things

Usage Note

The activity name comes before 'things' without a hyphen: tea things, sewing things, cooking things. More common in British English than American English. Sounds slightly old-fashioned in some contexts.

Common Mistakes

I need to buy the cook things.
I need to buy the cooking things.
the activity word must be in the -ing form or be a noun that names the activity.

4. an idea, fact, situation, action, or event that you talk or think about without

4.nounA2
Definition

an idea, fact, situation, action, or event that you talk or think about without naming it exactly

Example

The best thing about Sundays is sleeping late.

structure: the best/worst thing about [noun] is...

One thing I need to tell you is that the meeting has moved.

Common collocations
  • the best thing
  • the worst thing
  • the funny thing
  • the strange thing
  • the important thing
  • one thing
  • the first thing
Synonyms
  • matter

    more formal; a topic or issue that needs attention

  • issue

    a problem or topic that people discuss or disagree about

  • topic

    what a conversation or piece of writing is about

Grammar Patterns

the best/worst thing about [noun]

a/the thing is that...

one thing

Usage Note

Often followed by 'about' (the thing about traveling is...) or 'is' (the thing is, we need more time). The phrase 'the thing is' is very common in spoken English to introduce an important point or reason.

Common Mistakes

A thing happened.' (too vague for storytelling).
Something strange happened on my way home.
In conversation, describe 'the thing' with an adjective (funny thing, strange thing) for clarity.

5. the particular fact, idea, or object that is exactly the one being talked about,

5.nounB1
Definition

the particular fact, idea, or object that is exactly the one being talked about, not any other

Example

The thing Emma likes most about her teacher is the patience.

structure: 'the thing [person] [verb] most about [noun] is...'

This is exactly the thing I have been searching for all year.

Common collocations
  • the thing is
  • the very thing
  • the one thing
  • the only thing
  • the first thing
Synonyms
  • point

    focuses on the key idea or argument being made

  • key

    the most important element of a situation

  • crux

    the most difficult or important part of a problem or argument

Grammar Patterns

the thing [relative clause]

that's the [adjective] thing [relative clause]

the very thing

Usage Note

The phrase 'the thing is' introduces a reason, problem, or main point and is extremely common in both spoken and written English. 'The very thing' is an older but still used expression meaning exactly what is needed.

Common Mistakes

The thing is I don't have time.' (missing comma after 'is').
The thing is, I don't have time.
In writing, use a comma after 'the thing is' before stating the main point.

6. something that is real, true, or genuine, not a copy, a fake, or an imitation

6.nounB1
Definition

something that is real, true, or genuine, not a copy, a fake, or an imitation

Example

This painting is not a copy — it is the real thing.

phrase: 'the real thing' for something genuine

Anjali thought the bag was fake, but it turned out to be the real thing.

Common collocations
  • the real thing
Synonyms
  • original

    focuses on being the first or earliest version

  • genuine article

    slightly informal; used for products or people who are truly what they claim to be

Antonyms
  • fake

    something made to look like the real thing but not genuine

  • copy

    a reproduction of the original

Grammar Patterns

the real thing

Usage Note

Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'the real thing'. Can also be used in the pattern 'is the [noun] thing' to emphasize authenticity or the best example of something.

Common Mistakes

This bag is real thing.' (missing 'the').
This bag is the real thing.
The definite article 'the' is required in this phrase.

7. used to say that two or more objects, ideas, or events are identical and not dif

7.nounA2
Definition

used to say that two or more objects, ideas, or events are identical and not different from each other in any way

Example

Renata bought the same thing as her sister, but in blue.

the same thing as + noun

I would do the same thing if I were in your position.

Common collocations
  • the same thing
  • exactly the same thing
  • the very same thing
Synonyms
  • identical

    more formal; used when describing exact sameness in every detail

  • alike

    more informal; often used as a predicate adjective rather than before a noun

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

the same thing as + noun

the same thing + clause

Usage Note

Usually part of the fixed phrase 'the same thing'; can take a singular or plural subject.

Common Mistakes

I have the same thing car as you.
I have the same car as you.
when the object is already named, drop 'thing' and use the noun directly.

8. a specific event, activity, or set of arrangements that people have agreed on or

8.nounB1
Definition

a specific event, activity, or set of arrangements that people have agreed on or are preparing for

Example

The whole thing took longer than we expected because of the rain.

the whole thing — referring to an entire event

The organizers called off the thing at the last minute when the singer got sick.

Common collocations
  • the whole thing
  • call off the thing
  • the biggest thing
Synonyms
  • event

    more specific; used for planned social occasions

  • affair

    slightly formal; can imply complexity or formality

  • occasion

    focuses on the time or reason for the event

Grammar Patterns

the + thing

the whole thing

Usage Note

Often used with 'the whole' to refer to an entire event or plan from start to finish.

9. the most important fact, feature, or idea among all others in a particular situa

9.nounB1
Definition

the most important fact, feature, or idea among all others in a particular situation

Example

The thing I love most about this city is the food market near my home.

The thing + relative clause for focus

The funny thing is that nobody noticed the mistake until the end.

Common collocations
  • the best thing
  • the funny thing
  • the scary thing
  • the thing about
Synonyms
  • point

    focuses on the main idea in an argument or discussion

  • aspect

    more neutral; refers to one part of a larger situation without emphasis on importance

Grammar Patterns

the [adjective] thing about + noun/gerund

the thing + that + clause

Usage Note

Commonly appears in the pattern 'the [adjective] thing about...' or 'the thing that [verb]...' to highlight a single notable aspect.

Common Mistakes

The thing important is to finish on time.
The important thing is to finish on time.
the adjective must go before 'thing', not after it.

10. every possible situation, subject, or area of life, used after 'all' or 'in all'

10.nounB2
Definition

every possible situation, subject, or area of life, used after 'all' or 'in all' to cover everything without exception

Example

Ava believes in being honest in all things, no matter how small.

in all things — in every situation

The teacher was an expert in all things related to ancient Rome.

Common collocations
  • all things
  • in all things
  • all things related to
Synonyms
  • everything

    more direct and common; does not require the word 'all' before it

  • every aspect

    more formal; emphasises individual parts of a whole

Grammar Patterns

all things

in all things

all things + past participle

Usage Note

Almost always used with 'all' — either 'all things' or 'in all things.' The singular form is extremely rare in this sense.

11. a conversational opening phrase ('the thing is') that highlights a key fact abou

11.nounB1
Definition

a conversational opening phrase ('the thing is') that highlights a key fact about a situation — often used to correct a wrong assumption or to draw attention to what someone might otherwise overlook

Example

The thing is, I do not have enough money for the trip right now.

The thing is, + clause — introducing a key fact

The thing is — how do we get everyone to agree on a date?

Common collocations
  • the thing is
  • the thing is that
Synonyms
  • the problem is

    more specific; used when the following point is a difficulty or obstacle

  • the point is

    focuses on the main argument rather than important background information

Grammar Patterns

The thing is, + clause

The thing is that + clause

The thing is — + clause

Usage Note

A fixed discourse marker that always begins with 'the thing is'; the clause that follows can be a statement or a question.

Common Mistakes

The thing is, I didn't went to the party.
The thing is, I didn't go to the party.
the clause after 'the thing is' must follow normal grammar rules.

12. the general state of your life, work, or the world around you, without mentionin

12.nounA2
Definition

the general state of your life, work, or the world around you, without mentioning specific details

Example

How are things at the office these days, Lara?

How are things? — asking about someone's general state

Things have been difficult since the factory closed down last winter.

Common collocations
  • how are things
  • things are getting better
  • things have been difficult
  • the way things are
Synonyms
  • circumstances

    more formal; refers to the conditions affecting a situation

  • the situation

    singular, more specific; often refers to a particular set of conditions rather than a general state

Grammar Patterns

how are things

things + be + adjective

things + get/become + adjective

Usage Note

Always takes a plural verb form. Subject is always 'things' when referring to the general state, never 'thing' in this sense.

Common Mistakes

How is thing?
How are things?
this sense always uses the plural form 'things' with a plural verb.

13. used to say that a particular event or situation is lucky or fortunate — for exa

13.nounB1
Definition

used to say that a particular event or situation is lucky or fortunate — for example, that a problem was avoided because of something that happened just in time.

Example

It's a good thing that Mira brought an umbrella, because it started raining heavily.

pattern: it's a good thing that…

A good thing about living near the park is that the children can play outside.

Common collocations
  • a good/bad thing
  • a good thing (that)
  • not a bad thing
Synonyms
  • lucky

    similar meaning but used as an adjective rather than a noun construction

  • fortunately

    adverb used to express the same idea more formally

Antonyms
  • unfortunately

    used for the opposite — an unlucky or regrettable outcome

Grammar Patterns

it is a good thing (that)…

it's a (good/bad) thing (that)…

Usage Note

Often followed by a that-clause, though 'that' is frequently dropped in spoken English.

Common Mistakes

It's a good thing if I brought an umbrella.
It's a good thing (that) I brought an umbrella.
This pattern describes a real fortunate outcome, not a hypothetical one.

14. a discourse marker used to introduce an obstacle, problem, or complication that

14.nounB1
Definition

a discourse marker used to introduce an obstacle, problem, or complication that alters a plan, changes someone's expectations, or explains why something cannot happen as hoped

Example

The thing is, Cyrus does not have enough money to pay the rent this month.

discourse marker: the thing is…

I would love to hike this weekend — the thing is, I have a test on Monday.

Common collocations
  • the thing is
  • the important thing is
  • the main thing is
Synonyms
  • the problem is

    more specific — focuses on a difficulty rather than any main point

  • the point is

    similar register and function as a discourse marker

Grammar Patterns

the thing is (that)…

the important/interesting/sad thing is (that)…

Usage Note

Frequently used at the start of a sentence as a discourse marker. 'That' is optional when followed by a clause.

Common Mistakes

The thing is what I need to tell you is important.
The thing is, I need to tell you something important.
After 'the thing is', go directly to the main point.

15. used in place of 'anything' in negative statements or questions to make the mean

15.nounB1
Definition

used in place of 'anything' in negative statements or questions to make the meaning stronger — especially when saying that nothing happened or asking if something happened.

Example

Did you eat a thing at the wedding reception, or were you too busy talking?

question: Did you + [verb] + a thing?

Felipe would not say a thing about the surprise he had planned for Élise.

negated: wouldn't say a thing

Common collocations
  • not… a thing
  • did you… a thing?
  • before you say a thing
Synonyms
  • anything

    neutral equivalent, not emphatic; appropriate for all registers

Grammar Patterns

[neg] + a thing

question + a thing

Usage Note

This sense is informal and most common in spoken English. Do not use 'a thing' this way in formal writing; use 'anything' instead.

Common Mistakes

❌ 'I didn't eat a thing for breakfast, so I'm hungry.' (no mistake, but 'a thing' is too casual for an essay) — Use 'anything' in formal writing.

16. not a single item at all; used with strong emphasis to say that absolutely nothi

16.nounB1
Definition

not a single item at all; used with strong emphasis to say that absolutely nothing exists, happens, or is present in a particular situation.

Example

There was not a thing in the fridge, so Caleb ordered pizza for dinner.

There was not a thing in…

Daichi understood not a thing of what the speaker said about the new tax laws.

Common collocations
  • not a thing
  • not a single thing
  • not a thing has changed
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • everything

    the complete opposite — all items present

Grammar Patterns

not a thing

not a single thing

Usage Note

Stronger than 'nothing'. When you say 'not a thing', you are emphasising the completeness of the absence. This phrase often appears at the start of a sentence for rhetorical effect.

17. to feel or claim that one lacks suitable clothes for a particular event or setti

17.nounB1
Definition

to feel or claim that one lacks suitable clothes for a particular event or setting — even if one actually owns many clothes.

Example

Sirin said she had nothing to wear to her cousin's wedding ceremony in the temple.

collocation: have nothing to wear to [event]

Tomás opened his wardrobe and complained that he had nothing to wear for the interview.

Common collocations
  • have nothing to wear
  • nothing to wear to
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

have nothing to wear

Usage Note

This is a common complaint about having 'nothing suitable', not about truly owning zero clothes. It is informal and often used humorously or dramatically.

Common Mistakes

I have nothing to put on for the party.
I have nothing to wear for the party.
The fixed expression uses 'wear', not 'put on'.

18. used to say that no possible action can change or improve a difficult situation

18.nounB1
Definition

used to say that no possible action can change or improve a difficult situation — expressing helplessness or acceptance that the situation must be endured.

Example

Once the bridge collapsed, there was nothing we could do to reach the other side.

there was nothing [someone] could do

There was nothing the firefighters could do to save the old wooden house from the flames.

pattern: there was nothing [someone] could do

Common collocations
  • nothing to do but
  • nothing [someone] can do
  • no such thing
Synonyms
  • there is no way to

    similar meaning but focuses on the absence of a method rather than the absence of possible action

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

there is nothing to do

there is nothing [subject] can do

Usage Note

Often used in the construction 'there is/was nothing (that) someone can/could do' followed by an infinitive of purpose. Also appears in 'there is nothing to do but [verb]'.

Common Mistakes

There is nothing to do about it.' (too vague)
There is nothing we can do about the flight delay.
Specify who cannot act and what the situation is.

19. Refers to a specific activity, plan, or arrangement when you do not want to name

19.nounB1
Definition

Refers to a specific activity, plan, or arrangement when you do not want to name it exactly — for example, joining a book club or organising a shared trip together.

Example

Sumin mentioned that hiking thing we planned for next month.

Did the beach thing with your cousins go ahead last weekend?

Common collocations
  • [noun] thing
  • the [noun] thing
  • this [noun] thing
Synonyms
  • activity

    more formal and neutral; does not carry the casual tone of 'thing'

  • arrangement

    emphasises the planning aspect rather than the action itself

  • event

    suggests a formal occasion rather than an informal plan

Grammar Patterns

the [noun] thing

[noun] thing

Usage Note

Often appears as '[noun] thing' where a specific name for the activity does not exist or is not needed. Compare with sense 4 which refers to an idea or subject, not a scheduled activity.

Common Mistakes

I have a thing every morning of running.
I have this running thing every morning.
In this sense, 'thing' sounds more natural with 'this' or 'the' before it, and the modifier usually comes before 'thing'.

20. used after an adjective to talk about a particular quality, aspect, or fact of a

20.nounB1
Definition

used after an adjective to talk about a particular quality, aspect, or fact of a situation — for example, the surprising thing about the news or the best thing about living in a small town.

Example

The best thing about living near the sea is the fresh air.

pattern: the best thing about + [gerund/noun]

The only thing Gabriela asked for was a quiet room to study in.

Common collocations
  • the [adjective] thing about
  • the best thing
  • the first thing
  • the only thing
  • the [adjective] thing is
Synonyms
  • aspect

    more formal; used in analytical writing

  • part

    wider in meaning; does not focus on a notable quality

Grammar Patterns

the [adjective] thing

the [adjective] thing about/of [noun]

Common Mistakes

It is the bored thing of the job.
It is the boring thing about the job.
Use the -ing adjective (boring) not the -ed adjective (bored) when describing what the situation is like.

21. a discourse marker used to redirect attention to the central or most essential m

21.nounB1
Definition

a discourse marker used to redirect attention to the central or most essential matter under discussion — summarising, prioritising, or cutting through less important details to reach the core point

Example

I would love to come, but the thing is, I have another meeting at five.

fixed phrase: the thing is, + [contrasting clause]

The thing is that Mathieu has never driven on the left side of the road.

Common collocations
  • the thing is
  • the thing is that
  • the thing about
Synonyms
  • the point is

    more direct; focuses on the central idea rather than a difficulty

  • the problem is

    narrower; only for difficulties, not general explanations

Grammar Patterns

the thing is (that) + [clause]

Usage Note

Found in both 'the thing is' (followed by a comma or that) and 'the thing about [something] is' patterns. Used mostly in spoken English and informal writing. Avoid in academic essays.

Common Mistakes

The thing is I cannot driving.
The thing is, I cannot drive.
After 'the thing is', use a full clause with a conjugated verb, not a gerund.

22. Placed after a describing word to mention a person, animal, or even an object in

22.nounB1
Definition

Placed after a describing word to mention a person, animal, or even an object in a way that shows fondness or pity — for instance, calling a crying child a poor little thing.

Example

Look at that little puppy — the poor thing has been wandering all day.

affectionate: poor thing for an animal

Your kitten is such a sweet little thing when it curls up on the sofa.

Common collocations
  • poor thing
  • sweet thing
  • little thing
  • dear old thing
  • young thing
Synonyms
  • creature

    more neutral and factual; less affectionate

  • soul

    formal or literary; carries a gentle, sympathetic tone

Grammar Patterns

[adjective] thing

you/old/young etc. [adjective] thing

Usage Note

Always appears with a preceding adjective (poor, sweet, dear, little, old). Can be used for people, animals, or even personified objects. The adjective carries the emotional tone — 'thing' itself is neutral. Avoid in formal writing.

Common Mistakes

She is a thing.
She is a sweet little thing.
Without an adjective, 'thing' can sound dismissive or rude. Always include a positive or pitying adjective.
Idioms

If conditions stay the same or are similar, then something will probably happen.

All things being equal, we should finish the project by Friday.

Other things being equal, the cheaper option is usually better.

Used to refer to other similar items or activities without naming them all.

She enjoys reading, painting, and things like that.

We talked about school, hobbies, and things.

Used to say that later events showed something to be true or false.

As it turned out, the train was delayed by two hours.

As things turned out, we didn't need the extra tickets.

Used to say that later events showed something to be true or false.

As things turned out, the party was a huge success.

As it turned out, she was right about the weather.

To try to please everyone by changing your behavior or opinions to suit different people.

A politician cannot be all things to all people.

She tried to be all things to all men, but it was impossible.

To be considered socially acceptable or proper behavior.

In this country, it's the done thing to tip waiters.

Is it the done thing to send a thank-you note?

Used to say that something is lucky or fortunate.

It's a good thing we brought an umbrella.

It's a good thing that you called when you did.

Used to say that something that seems bad might actually have good results.

Losing the match might be no bad thing if it teaches us humility.

It's no bad thing that she left early; we had more time to talk.

To have found a job, situation, or lifestyle that is pleasant and easy.

He works from home and earns a lot—he's onto a good thing.

With free meals and flexible hours, she's onto a good thing.

To imagine that you see or hear something that is not really there.

I thought I saw a ghost, but I must have been seeing things.

Did you hear that noise, or am I hearing things?

Used to say that you would like something to happen but it is very unlikely.

"I wish I could take a vacation." "Chance would be a fine thing!"

Chance would be a fine thing—I never win anything.

A situation in which someone wins or loses by a very small amount.

The election was a close-run thing, decided by only 100 votes.

The game was a close-run thing; we won in the final minute.

A situation where success or failure is almost equally possible.

We escaped the flood, but it was a close thing.

The rescue was a close thing; they arrived just in time.

To have the same result or meaning as something else.

Whether you go by car or train, it comes to the same thing.

Saying "I don't know" and "I'm not sure" is the same thing.

To do what you want without caring what others think.

After college, she moved to Paris to do her own thing.

He doesn't follow trends; he prefers to do his own thing.

To have a strong emotional effect on someone.

That song really does things to me; it makes me cry.

Her smile does things to him that he can't explain.

Early in the morning or late in the evening.

I always check my email first thing in the morning.

She takes a hot bath last thing before bed.

The most important matters should be dealt with before others.

We have a lot to do, but first things first—let's eat.

First things first: finish your homework before you play.

Used to introduce one reason among several.

Why don't you buy a car? For one thing, it's too expensive.

I can't go; for one thing, I have a meeting.

To have a strong like or dislike for someone or something, often unreasonably.

He has a thing about people who are always late.

She has a thing about spiders; they terrify her.

To be strongly attracted to someone or to like something very much.

Liz has always had a thing for guys with long hair.

Jamie has a thing for vintage cars.

In the way that things normally happen.

In the nature of things, older people often need more sleep.

In the nature of things, accidents will happen.

Used to say that you do not really enjoy or are not interested in something.

I tried yoga, but it just isn't my thing.

Cooking isn't his thing; he prefers eating out.

Used to say that something is understood only by a particular group.

You wouldn't get it—it's a guy thing.

It's a cultural thing; you have to be from there to understand.

To treat something as more important than it really is.

He made a big thing about having to wait five minutes.

Don't make a thing of it; it was just a small mistake.

A situation where you succeed but could easily have failed.

We caught the train, but it was a near thing.

The team won, but it was a near thing.

A person or thing that is expected to become very popular or successful soon.

Many people think this app will be the next big thing.

She is being called the next big thing in fashion.

Not considered socially acceptable or proper.

Wearing jeans to a wedding is not quite the thing.

It's not quite the thing to arrive empty-handed.

Used to accept an unpleasant situation as unavoidable.

I missed the bus—it was just one of those things.

The project failed; it's one of those things.

Used to complain that many unpleasant things keep happening.

First my car broke down, then I lost my keys—it's one thing after another.

This week has been one damn thing after another.

Used to say that events happen in a natural sequence without needing explanation.

We started talking, and one thing led to another, and we became friends.

He offered me a ride, and one thing led to another, and now we're dating.

Used before mentioning a problem or worry about something.

I'd love to come—the only thing is, I have a prior engagement.

The plan sounds great; the only thing is, it might be too expensive.

To work or exercise too hard, causing harm or tiredness.

He overdid it at the gym and hurt his back.

She's been overdoing things lately and needs rest.

To take a risk because you have been successful before, hoping to avoid problems.

You got away with it once, but don't push your luck.

He's pushing things by asking for another raise so soon.

To take a risk because you have been successful before, hoping to avoid problems.

Don't push things; we don't want to lose what we have.

She's pushing her luck by arriving late every day.

Something that is genuine and not an imitation.

This painting is the real thing, not a copy.

After many dates, he finally found the real thing.

The way things are organized or the way someone wants them to be.

In the grand scheme of things, this problem is minor.

Marriage doesn't fit into his scheme of things.

An indication of how things will develop in the future.

Electric cars may be the shape of things to come.

This new technology is the shape of things to come.

Used to agree to a request or suggestion.

"Can you help me?" "Sure thing."

"Want to go for coffee?" "Sure thing."

To relax and not work too hard.

The doctor told me to take it easy for a week.

On vacation, I like to take things easy.

To deal with each day's problems without worrying about the future.

After the accident, she's taking it one day at a time.

We don't know what will happen, so we take things one day at a time.

To deal with each day's problems without worrying about the future.

He's taking things one day at a time after his surgery.

Let's take it one day at a time and see how it goes.

There is only one possible course of action in a situation.

We're lost; there's only one thing for it—ask for directions.

The car won't start; there's only one thing for it—call a mechanic.

Used to say that we should accept unpleasant events because we cannot change them.

I know it's frustrating, but these things are sent to try us.

The delay is annoying, but these things are sent to try us.

Used to refer to a particular situation or activity.

I'm not really into the whole camping thing.

She doesn't want to be involved in the whole family thing.

Used to introduce an important fact, reason, or explanation.

I'd love to go, but the thing is, I have no money.

The thing is, we need to finish this by Friday.

Ghosts or supernatural beings that are heard but not seen.

The old house is full of things that go bump in the night.

Children often fear things that go bump in the night.

To do what is morally right or socially expected, especially in a difficult situation.

He did the decent thing and apologized for his mistake.

She did the decent thing by returning the wallet.

Used to say that even pleasant things can become unpleasant if you have too much.

I love chocolate, but too much of a good thing can make you sick.

Even holidays can be too much of a good thing if they're too long.

Because of various events or tasks that have kept you busy.

What with one thing and another, I forgot to call you.

With one thing and another, the project took longer than expected.

To arrange something cleverly to achieve a desired result.

Can you work it so that we get a discount?

She worked things so that she could leave early.

To arrange something cleverly to achieve a desired result.

He worked things so that he could take Friday off.

Can you work it so that we meet at noon?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

"Thing" is the most general word for any physical entity when the exact name is unknown or irrelevant. "Object" is more formal and suggests a distinct, separate entity with clear boundaries, often used in scientific or technical contexts ("a metal object in the field"). "Item" implies one element in a collection or list ("each item on the menu"), emphasising membership in a set rather than physical properties. "Article" is the most formal, found in legal, commercial, or inventory descriptions ("an article of clothing"). For the physical-object sense, choose "object" when precision or formality is needed, "item" when listing or categorising, and "article" for official registers; otherwise "thing" is the everyday default.

Etymology

Old EnglishGermanicEnglish

Old English "þing" originally meant 'assembly, meeting, council' (still seen in Icelandic Alþingi, the parliament). By the early medieval period it broadened to mean 'entity, matter, object' — from the notion of 'a matter brought before an assembly'. The semantic drift from 'meeting' to 'any entity' is one of English's most dramatic widenings, driven by everyday usage across Germanic languages.