just the thing

This page is about the conversational phrase just the thing

Meaning

You can say something's "just the thing" if it's exactly what's needed or wanted.

For example

  • "This device gets inserted under your skin and it monitors your heartbeat."
    "Great. Just the thing by the sound of it."

  • "Check out this app. It's just the thing for finding somewhere to eat. It lists all the restaurants within a kilometre of wherever you are."

Note:
"Just the ticket" can be used in the same way, but it's a little old-fashioned and mostly limited to British English.

Quick Quiz

Which could be described as "just the thing" for painting a picture?

a. a famous artist

b. a well-lit studio

c. a public gallery
a) a famous artist b) a well-lit studio c) a public gallery

Contributor: Matt Errey