thing

Universal Words noun object 1 [C] an object whose name you do not use because you do not need to or want to, or because you do not know it: Can you pass me that thing over there? * She's very fond of sweet things (= sweet foods). * He's just bought one of those exercise things. * Turn that thing off while I'm talking to you! 2 [C] an object that is not alive in the way that people and plants are: Don't treat her like that-she's a person, not a thing! * He's good at making things with his hands. * She took no interest in the people and things around her. possessions / equipment 3 (things) [pl.] objects, clothing or tools that belong to sb or are used for a particular purpose: Shall I help you pack your things? * Bring your swimming things with you. * I'll just clear away the breakfast things. * Put your things (= coat, etc.) on and let's go. anything 4 (a thing) [sing.] used with negatives to mean 'anything' in order to emphasize what you are saying: I haven't got a thing to wear! * She hasn't had a thing to eat all day. * There wasn't a thing we could do to help. * Ignore what he said-it doesn't mean a thing. fact / event / situation / action 5 [C] a fact, an event, a situation or an action; what sb says or thinks: There are a lot of things she doesn't know about me. * There's another thing I'd like to ask you. * A terrible thing happened last night. * He found the whole thing very boring. * I've got loads of things to do today. * The main thing to remember is to switch off the burglar alarm. * I like camping, climbing and that sort of thing. * She said the first thing that came into her head. * 'Why did you tell her our secret?' 'I did no such thing!' * Let's forget the whole thing (= everything). 6 (things) [pl.] the general situation, as it affects sb: Things haven't gone entirely to plan. * (spoken) Hi, Jane! How are things? * Think things over before you decide. * As things stand at present, he seems certain to win. * All things considered (= considering all the difficulties or problems), she's done very well. * Why do you make things so difficult for yourself? what is needed / right 7 [C,usually sing.] what is needed or socially acceptable: You need something to cheer you up-I know just the thing! * to do / say the right / wrong thing * The best thing to do is to apologize. things of particular type 8 (things) [pl.] (formal) (followed by an adjective) all that can be described in a particular way: She loves all things Japanese. creature 9 [C] (used with an adjective) a living creature: All living things are composed of cells. person / animal 10 [C] (with an adjective) (spoken) used to talk to or about a person or an animal, to show how you feel about them: You silly thing! * You must be starving, you poor things. * The cat's very ill, poor old thing. IDIOMS A is one thing, B is another