the thing is

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the thing is

1. (idiomatic, colloquial) Used to introduce the main point or issue.

   I'd like to come, but the thing is, I just can't afford it.

   • 2022 January 12, Nigel Harris, “Comment: Unhappy start to 2022”, in RAIL, number 948, page 3:

     The thing is, we've even had formal confirmation from Government itself that the crucial research required to make such sweeping claims hasn't been done!

• that's the thing
• the reality is