the thing is
1
used to introduce an explanation or a reason for something; often a way of clarifying a situation
- The thing is, my parents like me to be home by ten o'clock.
- I’d love to go, but the thing is, I have a prior commitment.
- We could go out, but the thing is, it’s already getting late.
- The thing is, I’ve never been to that restaurant before.
- She agreed to meet, but the thing is, she’s running late.