the very thing

the very thing

Exactly what is most ideal, desired, or useful in a particular moment or situation. I'm telling you, when you're hungover, a big basket of French fries is the very thing! I have the very thing to wear with a dress that color.

See also: thing, very

very thing

Fig. the exact thing that is required. The vacuum cleaner is the very thing for cleaning the stairs. I have the very thing to remove that stain.

See also: thing, very

very thing, the

Exactly what is needed or wanted, as in That hat's the very thing to complete the costume. This idiom, which uses very to denote exact identity, was first recorded in 1768.

See also: very