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
Flavored with garlic, salt, pepper, and buttermilk, this dish tastes like the real thing.
—
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Some of our favorites are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
But images still can’t quite prepare you for the real thing.
—Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
While some filmmakers still insist on the real thing — especially in Westerns and period pieces — trainers say even equine work could eventually be outsourced to visual effects.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
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Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
Some of our favorites are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
—Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025
But images still can’t quite prepare you for the real thing.
—Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
While some filmmakers still insist on the real thing — especially in Westerns and period pieces — trainers say even equine work could eventually be outsourced to visual effects.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 11 Nov. 2025.
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