A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

it’s just the thing • that’s the thing
it’s just the thing —that’s exactly what one wants or needs:
“Would this be suitable, madam?” “Yes, it’s just the thing.”
Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase it’s just one of those things—used of an unpleasant hap-
pening one cannot account for or do anything to prevent: Now,
my wife is a terrible snorer. It’s just one of those things.
that’s the thing— that’s the point; that is indeed the reason:
“License and registration please.” “Well, that’s the thing,” I
stammered. “I was on my way to renew it right now.”
it’s no go • it’s not a go
it’s no go —(coll.) it is no use; it is impossible: Jack tries to
get friendly with her but it’s no go. Suzie’s got attitude even
Jack can’t handle.
it’s not a go —(coll.) 
1
. it is not settled: It’s not a go at this
date. If enough members indicate they want a convention we
will have one. 2. = it’s no go: When you don’t speak Spanish,
it takes a while … I tried tourist places just asking, but without
a common language it’s not a go.
See also: it’s all go / it’s all the go.
it’s the same old, old story • tell me the old, old
story
it’s the same old, old story —said of smth. bad that has hap-
pened many times before: It’s the same old, old story. The
individual is having his economic sovereignty stripped from
him to such an extent that he is no longer capable of managing
his own affairs.
tell me the old, old story —(derisive or sarcastic) is used to say
that one doesn’t believe what one hears: Tell me the “old, old,
story”! Bullying in the workplace has been part of life since
time immemorial. This pandemic problem lies in our sytem
of advancing toadies…
J