Used to introduce an important point or complication, often right before revealing information that is different from what was expected.
“The thing is, the venue we wanted is already booked for that weekend.”
“I'd love to help, but the thing is, I have a shift that same evening.”
In CELPIP Listening Part 1, one speaker often uses 'the thing is' right before explaining the real obstacle to a plan that was just proposed. Listen carefully after this phrase, since it usually signals a shift from agreement to a complication. Questions often test whether you caught the specific detail introduced right after it.
Synonyms: the truth is, actually, here's the problem