it is what it is
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Phrase
it is what it is
- (literally, sometimes philosophical) This thing has its own distinct nature; this thing is itself.
- 1690, John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding:
- That every thing has a real constitution, whereby it is what it is, and on which its sensible qualities depend, is past doubt.
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- (idiomatic) A phrase expressing resignment to a situation or set of circumstances, usually without complaint; Thus meaning: this circumstance is simply a fact and must be accepted or dealt with as it exists.
- 1926, "La Semaine du Parlement," Time, 8 Mar.:
- I shall not criticize the Treaty of Versailles. It is a fact. It is what it is.
- 2005, Viv Bernstein, "Stewart Poised to Head Onto Road Less Traveled," New York Times, 20 Nov. (retrieved 24 July 2008):
- I would prefer to start further up than where I am, but it is what it is and we'll just go out there and get to work.
- 2020 Bob Dylan, Murder Most Foul
- Air Force One comin' in through the gate
Johnson sworn in at 2:38
Let me know when you decide to throw in the towel
It is what it is, and it's murder most foul
- Air Force One comin' in through the gate
- Unfortunately the insurance doesn't cover that. Sorry, but it is what it is.
- 1926, "La Semaine du Parlement," Time, 8 Mar.:
Synonyms
- (This circumstance is simply a fact and must be accepted): so be it, that's life
Translations
this thing has its own nature
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phrase expressing resignment to a situation or set of circumstances
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See also
- whatever happens, happens
Further reading
- it is what it is on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
- it is what it is at OneLook Dictionary Search