it is what it is

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

it is what it is

1. (literally, sometimes philosophical) This thing has its own distinct nature; this thing is itself.
   • 1690, John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding:

     That every thing has a real constitution, whereby it is what it is, and on which its sensible qualities depend, is past doubt.

2. (idiomatic) A phrase expressing resignment to a situation or set of circumstances, usually without complaint; Thus meaning: this circumstance is simply a fact and must be accepted or dealt with as it exists.
   • 1926, "La Semaine du Parlement," Time, 8 Mar.:

     I shall not criticize the Treaty of Versailles. It is a fact. It is what it is.

   • 2005, Viv Bernstein, "Stewart Poised to Head Onto Road Less Traveled," New York Times, 20 Nov. (retrieved 24 July 2008):

     I would prefer to start further up than where I am, but it is what it is and we'll just go out there and get to work.

   • 2020 Bob Dylan, Murder Most Foul

     Air Force One comin' in through the gate
     Johnson sworn in at 2:38
     Let me know when you decide to throw in the towel
     It is what it is, and it's murder most foul

   Unfortunately the insurance doesn't cover that. Sorry, but it is what it is.

• (This circumstance is simply a fact and must be accepted): so be it, that's life

• whatever happens, happens

• it is what it is on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
• it is what it is at OneLook Dictionary Search