it's the thought that counts

it's the thought that counts

One's good intentions are more important than one's actions. Typically said when something has gone wrong or has not worked out as one had hoped. Your grandmother couldn't make it to your recital because her car wouldn't start, but she really wanted to be there, and it's the thought that counts. A: "But I wanted a toy for my birthday, not a sweater." B: "It's the thought that counts, Benjamin. Your grandmother spent a lot of time making it for you."
See also: count, that, thought
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

it’s the ˈthought that counts

(saying) the fact that somebody remembered about something is more important than the size or value of a present: She didn’t send him a present for his birthday, only a card, but it’s the thought that counts.
See also: count, that, thought
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (one's) day in court
  • better (to be) safe than sorry
  • better safe than sorry
  • (from) top to toe
  • be in (one's) good graces
  • be in somebody's good graces
  • be in someone's good graces
  • be remembered as (something)
  • be remembered as/for something
  • at (one's) doorstep
References in periodicals archive
Seamus McCauley, editor-in-chief at Holiday Extras, said: "As with every gift, it's the thought that counts. But, as our survey shows, times are changing - with couples now favouring experiences over more traditional appliances.
Couples feel no shame returning unwanted wedding gifts with charity donations and toasters least popular; Average pair will reject at least six presents from their nuptials
But it's the thought that counts for a player keen to bounce back from a disappointing French Open where she was widely tipped to go all the way only to be knocked out in the third round.
ON THE BALL! CZECH STAR PLISKOVA IN BRUM EARLY TO PRACTISE FOR CLASSIC TEST ON GRASS SO SHE IS..
'It's the thought that counts,' we often say, and many of us indeed end up with gifts we don't want and will never use - yet that need not diminish our happiness in this season of gift-giving.
Happiness and family
I do not have much hope of this missive reaching any time soon but I console myself with the saying that it's the thought that counts.
The end of the picture postcard?
It's the thought that counts, and that's the spirit that drives the annual Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation's Week of Giving, according to Bill Ross, CEO of the nonprofit IICF.
Annual IICF Week of Giving Puts 'Face on Insurance'
"I think it's the thought that counts, it's pretty cool." (The Associated Press)
James honored by drive to build statue of him
HOLLYOAKS (Channel 4) FINN pays one of his periodic visits to the village bearing a gift for Tony in the form of an old newspaper clipping about Il Gnosh (it's the thought that counts) and an offer to become his new business partner.
soap dish
HOLLYOAKS (Channel 4) FINN pays one of his periodic visits to the village bearing a gift for Tony the form of an old newspaper clipping about Il Gnosh (it's the thought that counts) and an offer to become his new business partner.
soap dish
HOLLYOAKS Channel 4 FINN pays one of his periodic visits to the village, bearing a gift for Tony in the form of an old newspaper clipping about Il Gnosh (it's the thought that counts) and an offer to become his new business partner.
HOLLYOAKS Channel 4 FINN pays [...]
"It's the thought that counts! Don't let a few bagels defeat and define you.
Watch Jennifer Garner's Hilarious Baking Fail
Dear Guilt-Ridden Christmas Giver: Rid yourself of that guilt, because it's the thought that counts, and it's incredibly thoughtful of you and your wife to make gifts.
Dear Annie
He thinks making a list of presents that would bring a few, brief moments of joy into to your miserable, unfulfilled life is mercenary, and that it's the thought that counts. Even if the thought is awful.
He's barking up the wrong (Xmas) tree
Mom always says it's the thought that counts...and she's right: The holidays don't (and shouldn't) have to require spending serious $$$.
PRICELESS PREZZIES: BECAUSE MONEY REALLY DOESN'T BUY HAPPINESS
Thoughtful - and It's the thought that counts. Eating out to flaunt your assets is smart.
YOUR HOROSCOPE
Okay, the 10,000-strong Tartan Army might have been higher than a pilot's lunchbox after a week on the jaegerbombs in the Algarve - but it's the thought that counts.
Gaffer Strach looks more like a man being dragged round B&Q looking for new bathroom suite than one set to embark on an exciting World Cup campaign