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the thing is

Definition

B2 informal used to introduce an explanation or an excuse: The thing is, my parents like me to be home by ten o'clock. The thing is, the shops close early on Sundays.Connecting words joining words or phrases with similar or related meanings used to emphasize the importance of what you are saying: The thing is to be watchful even when you think your child is safe.Intensifying expressions
(Definition of the thing is from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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