the thing of it is

the thing of it is

The main or fundamental issue or element (of what's being discussed). A longer variant of "the thing is." I agree with your point, but the thing of it is, if we agree to increase spending for education, then all sorts of other public utilities will go underfunded as a result!
See also: of, thing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • the thing is
  • the thing is...
  • agree to
  • concur on (someone or something) with (one)
  • concur with (one) on (someone or something)
  • against the current
  • (Do) you feel (me)?
  • approve
  • approve of
  • come down to the wire