phrase
it is what it is
it iz WOT it iz
It is what it is (phrase) means Said to accept an unwelcome situation that cannot be changed, signalling that there is no point complaining about it further. Example: “We lost the contract. It is what it is, so let's chase the next one.”
phrase
1
informal Said to accept an unwelcome situation that cannot be changed, signalling that there is no point complaining about it further.
"We lost the contract. It is what it is, so let's chase the next one."
"The flight's cancelled and there's no other route tonight, so it is what it is."
2
informal Used dismissively to end a discussion or avoid explaining something further.
"He wouldn't give a reason for the decision, just 'it is what it is'."
How to use it is what it is
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThere's no changing it, so no point moaning about it.
When to use it
Informal spoken English; very common, often criticised as a cliche.
Memory tip
Keep it for things genuinely outside your control; used about your own choices it sounds evasive.
Easily confused with
it is what it is vs that's just how it is
Common pairings
well, it is what it is
at the end of the day, it is what it is
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We lost the contract. _____, so let's chase the next one.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for it is what it is
itis
gastritis
sinusitis
hepatitis
arthritis
dermatitis
laryngitis
bronchitis
meningitis
peritonitis
tonsillitis
appendicitis
See all rhymes for it is what it is →
Frequently asked questions
Is 'it is what it is' rude?
It depends on delivery. Said about your own bad luck it sounds stoical and unbothered; said to someone else about their problem it can sound dismissive, as though you cannot be bothered to help. Avoid it when someone wants sympathy.
What can I say instead of 'it is what it is'?
For acceptance, try 'there's nothing we can do about it now' or 'we'll work with what we've got'. If you actually mean the decision is final, say that plainly instead, since the phrase often hides a reason the listener wants to hear.
Is it a cliche?
Yes, and a heavily used one, especially in sport and business. It works fine in speech but looks lazy in writing, where a specific statement of what cannot be changed reads better.
What is the meaning of it is what it is?
"it is what it is" (phrase) means said to accept an unwelcome situation that cannot be changed, signalling that there is no point complaining about it further.
