it is what it is

American

[it iz wuht it iz] / ɪt ˌɪz wʌt ɪt ˈɪz /

idiom

the situation cannot be helped and must be taken in stride.

Too bad about the drought ruining your lilies, but it is what it is—our gardens need to fit the current environment.

Etymology

Origin of it is what it is

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Obviously it is what it is now, but we have so much respect for the women’s team and they have so much respect for us,” Hughes told reporters after his New Jersey Devils’ 2-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night.

From Los Angeles Times

"I can't make any comment on it. It is what it is and it will take its course."

From BBC

"It is what it is. We need to deal with it," Frank said.

From Barron's

"I think it is completely the opposite but anyway, it is what it is."

From BBC

"At this point it is what it is. We're in the Super Bowl now, the last two teams standing," shrugged Patriots tackle Khyiris Tonga.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023