English

Noun

thick of things

1. (idiomatic) A central or major role in a situation; a position in which one is surrounded by or very involved in complex, changing events.
   • 1888, Joseph Augustus Seiss, Lectures on the Gospels, vol. 2, Lutheran Bookstore (Philadelphia), p. 767:

     Christ calls for large ideas, bold enterprise, heavy undertakings, brave adventure, and heroic plunging into the thick of things.

   • 1935, Charley Gehringer, "Second Base is Toughest Position to Play," Pittsburgh Press, 3 July, p. 13:

     Second base is a pleasurable post for the reason that the man covering it is in the thick of things at all times.

   • 2004, "VP Race Is On," Fiji Times (Australia), 15 Dec.:

     During the coup he also kept his distance from the thick of things.

Usage notes

• Often used in prepositional phrases beginning with in or into.

See also

• in the swim
• in the thick of it