Thread by @DavidLat

1/ "It is what it is." Do you like this expression?

2/ I like the expression "it is what it is."

But I know that many people do not. And I probably use it too much.

Does anyone have a good alternative to "it is what it is" that truly carries the same meaning?

3/ In Filipino, we have “bahala na”—but that’s really more like “que sera, sera,” or “what will be, will be.”

I want something in the present tense, just like “it is what it is.”

4/ Here’s the late William Safire on “it is what it is” (thanks @derektmuller):

nytimes.com/2006/03/05/mag…

5/ A few suggested alternatives to "it is what it is" (which is losing in the popularity poll right now):

"Est quod est."

"C'est la vie."

"Such is life."

"Oh well."

"S**t happens." (I think the meaning is slightly different.)