the real thing
noun
: something that is genuine and not a copy or imitation : something that is truly valuable or important
The diamond turned out to be the real thing.
You've done very well in your training. Let's just hope you're ready for the real thing.
Examples of the real thing in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But the real thing would be much more brutal and gritty.
—
James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2024
One is that some restaurants concerned themselves more with marketing than delivering the real thing and diners got jaded along the way.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 15 June 2024
But this is no substitute for the real thing, a second coast that provides both an immense security moat and an invaluable commercial highway; California represents the fifth-largest economy in the world by GDP.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 6 Apr. 2022
Was that line a placeholder and someone forgot to write the real thing?
HIGH: An ode to stunt performers.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the real thing 
James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2024
One is that some restaurants concerned themselves more with marketing than delivering the real thing and diners got jaded along the way.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 15 June 2024
But this is no substitute for the real thing, a second coast that provides both an immense security moat and an invaluable commercial highway; California represents the fifth-largest economy in the world by GDP.
—Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 6 Apr. 2022
Was that line a placeholder and someone forgot to write the real thing?
HIGH: An ode to stunt performers.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for the real thing
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the real thing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near the real thing
Cite this Entry
“The real thing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20real%20thing. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share