“It Is What It Is” Meaning, Origin and Examples

The idiomatic phrase “it is what it is” is considered by most people to be overused. However, that being said, it is still widely used today. If you heard this phrase and were wondering what IT is exactly, you are in luck and have come to the right spot.

Here you will find the meaning of this term, information about its origin, and some example sentences and conversations highlighting the proper usage of this idiom. The article will conclude with some synonymous phrases that you can use in its place to relay the same message without sounding so cliche’.

It Is What It Is Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “It is what it is” means accepting a situation as it is, without trying to change or complain about it. It reflects acceptance of something unchangeable.
It Is What It Is Meaning
It Is What It Is Meaning – Created by 7ESL

It Is What It Is Meaning

The phrase “it is what it is” means accepting a situation as it exists without trying to change it or argue about it. It conveys a sense of resignation or acceptance that something cannot be altered, and there’s no point in complaining or overanalyzing it. It’s often used when people face circumstances that are out of their control.

Origin of the Idiomatic Expression

Sometimes the origin of a phrase is difficult to pinpoint. In the case of this idiom, the earlier known appearance was in The Nebraska State Journal in 1949. The phrase appeared in a story about new land and was written by author E.J. Lawrence.

Usage of “It Is What It Is”

The phrase “It is what it is” is often used in the following ways:

  1. To express acceptance of an unchangeable situation:
    • “The weather ruined our plans, but it is what it is.”
  2. To indicate resignation or a sense of inevitability:
    • “I didn’t get the promotion, but it is what it is.”
  3. When acknowledging a reality without further explanation:
    • “Some things just can’t be fixed. It is what it is.”
  4. To avoid dwelling on a problem:
    • “We made a mistake on the project, but it is what it is. Let’s move forward.”

In all these contexts, the phrase conveys an attitude of moving on or letting go of something that’s beyond control.

Related Terms to “It Is What It Is”

  • That’s life – Accepting the ups and downs of life.
  • C’est la vie – A French expression meaning “That’s life.”
  • Que sera, sera – Spanish for “Whatever will be, will be.”
  • Take it or leave it – Accept it as it is or reject it.
  • You can’t change the past – Acknowledging that something cannot be undone.
  • So be it – Accepting something without trying to change it.
  • What’s done is done – Referring to something that’s irreversible.
  • That’s the way the cookie crumbles – Accepting unfortunate circumstances as part of life.

“It Is What It Is” Synonyms

There are some other phrases that you could use in place of saying what some consider this cliche’ idiom. Some of the other things you could say instead include:

  • I accept the situation as it stands
  • I accept I can’t change the outcome
  • I have come to terms with the situation for what it is

“It Is What It Is” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • I don’t like the solution they came up with but it is what it is I guess.
  • I have chosen to move on and accept that it is what it is.

Conversation Examples

A conversation between mother and daughter.

  • Mother: Did you work things out with Jake?
  • Daughter: No, he wasn’t willing to work things out.
  • Mother: I am sorry to hear that, honey. Sometimes it’s for the best.
  • Daughter: It is what it is I guess. Maybe he just needs some time and space.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I don’t agree with these new policies that they are enforcing.
  • Co-worker 2: I don’t particularly agree with them either but what choice do we have?
  • Co-worker 1: We don’t have a choice. It is what it is I suppose.
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