the thing is

/ðə θˈɪŋ ɪz/

[phrase]

the thing is

[PHRASE]

used at the start of one's explanation or excuse

Examples

1. Erm, the thing is, I don't have the game with me.

2. But the thing is, I don't know why I still had a problem.

3. But the thing is, this guy, I forget his name, he comes to the table, and he brought an interpreter with him.

4. But the thing was, Millicent's character, when the parents left and the other brother left, she looks at her youngest brother and she gives him the toy