A2[C]used to refer in an approximate way to an idea, subject, event, action, etc.: That was an unkind thing to say.I've got so many things to do I don't know where to start.Your information is correct but you left out one thing."What's the matter?" "It's this insurance thing. I'm really worried about it."Objects - general wordsthe thing[C]›the exact fact, object, idea, event, etc.: Your letter has told me precisely the thing I needed to know.Information and messagesthe real thing›something that is not false or a copy: The fire alarm goes off accidentally so often that when it's the real thing (= when it really does happen) nobody will take any notice.Reality and truththe same thingB1the same: Training isn't the same thing as education.Similar and the sameDescribing people with the same qualitiesthe whole thingB2everything that has been planned or discussed: Let's call the whole thing off.I want to forget the whole thing.Something, anything, nothing, and everythingabove all things›more than everything else: I value my freedom above all things.Large in number or quantityin all things›in every situation or subject; in everything: Be true to yourself in all things.Expressions used to describe situationsif there's one thing I want to know, find out, etc.›said before describing what it is that you especially want to know: If there's one thing I want to know, it's where he goes on Thursday afternoons.