The real thing
phrase
Something genuine or authentic, not a substitute.
I thought she was just pretending to be nice, but her kindness turned out to be the real thing.
Often appears as...
- experience the real thing
- looking for the real thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A person or thing considered as the standard of excellence.
He is the real thing, a true musician.
Often appears as...
- he's the real thing
- she's the real thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Actual experience or encounter.
Virtual reality may try to replicate it, but it's not like the real thing.
Often appears as...
- not like the real thing
- better than the real thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Something genuine or authentic, not a substitute.
I thought she was just pretending to be nice, but her kindness turned out to be the real thing.
Often appears as...
- experience the real thing
- looking for the real thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A person or thing considered as the standard of excellence.
He is the real thing, a true musician.
Often appears as...
- he's the real thing
- she's the real thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Actual experience or encounter.
Virtual reality may try to replicate it, but it's not like the real thing.
Often appears as...
- not like the real thing
- better than the real thing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Authenticity Emphasis
Used when emphasizing the genuineness or authenticity of something in comparison to fakes or copies.
They sell handcrafted souvenirs, not factory-made – it’s the real thing.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation vs Reality
Highlights when something or someone exceeds expectations by being genuinely authentic.
When I met her in person, she was as kind as online; she's the real thing.
Pro Tip 3/3Surprise Revelation
Signals a surprising discovery about the authenticity of something initially doubted.
This painting was thought to be a copy, but experts confirmed it's the real thing.
Pro Tip 1/3Authenticity Emphasis
Used when emphasizing the genuineness or authenticity of something in comparison to fakes or copies.
They sell handcrafted souvenirs, not factory-made – it’s the real thing.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation vs Reality
Highlights when something or someone exceeds expectations by being genuinely authentic.
When I met her in person, she was as kind as online; she's the real thing.
Pro Tip 3/3Surprise Revelation
Signals a surprising discovery about the authenticity of something initially doubted.
This painting was thought to be a copy, but experts confirmed it's the real thing.
Pro Tip 1/3Authenticity Emphasis
Used when emphasizing the genuineness or authenticity of something in comparison to fakes or copies.
They sell handcrafted souvenirs, not factory-made – it’s the real thing.
Pro Tip 2/3Expectation vs Reality
Highlights when something or someone exceeds expectations by being genuinely authentic.
When I met her in person, she was as kind as online; she's the real thing.
Pro Tip 3/3Surprise Revelation
Signals a surprising discovery about the authenticity of something initially doubted.
This painting was thought to be a copy, but experts confirmed it's the real thing.
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