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
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
Yet Bettymania was the real thing.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Not that Machado is not the real thing.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
Jain also said dupes are different than counterfeit products since dupes are made to look very close to the real thing, but are not trying to pass for the name brand.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the real thing
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Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Yet Bettymania was the real thing.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 20 Oct. 2025
Not that Machado is not the real thing.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
Jain also said dupes are different than counterfeit products since dupes are made to look very close to the real thing, but are not trying to pass for the name brand.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 10 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 28 Oct. 2025.
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