From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishthe main thingthe main thingspokenIMPORTANT used to say what is the most important thing in a situation As long as you’re not hurt, that’s the main thing. The main thing is not to panic. → main
Examples from the Corpus
the main thing• Enjoy them, that's the main thing!• Still it was appreciated and thats the main thing.• We had all this unused energy, that is the main thing I remember.• As for the LeBaron, the main thing in its favour was that the roof came off.• Listen, the main thing is, he's happy.• But the main thing is the link with Kahlenbergerdorf.• The main thing is to impress Bora and get on the team.• This thing of being a hero, about the main thing is to know when to die.• Saving the peace plan is the main thing right now.• That was the main thing, there was very little money, so we charged everything. 