where it's at
where it's at
1. The place where things are most exciting, active, or lively. I've traveled all over the world, and, if you're looking for a party, Ibiza is definitely where it's at. For the last few decades, Austin has been where it's at for the independent music scene in the southern United States.
2. The place, field, industry, etc., where there is the most activity and opportunity. For people who want to produce online content, streaming services are where it's at right now. If you're looking for the most lucrative and plentiful job opportunities, computer programming is where it's at.
3. That which is currently very fashionable, trendy, or popular. Big, broad suits are so last-century—well fitted trousers, jackets, and shirts are where it's at right now. When you're building or remodeling your home, energy-saving features like triple-glazed windows and solar panels are where it's at.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
know where something is at
to know where something is located. (Without at, this sense is standard English. See also know where it's at.) Do you know where the hammer is at? I don't know where my glasses are at.
See also: know
where it's at
Sl. what one is aiming for; what is needed. (This does not refer to a place.) Keep on trying. That's where it's at! Good strong friends. That's where it's at.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
where it's at
Also, where the action is. The key center of activity; where important things are happening. For example, He decided to set up his store here, convinced that this is where it's at, or I'm going into the brokerage business; that's where the action is these days. The action or activity in this phrase can relate to just about anything-financial, political, social, or commercial. [Slang; c. 1960]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
where it's at
INFORMAL1. People describe a place as where it's at to mean that it is a lively and popular place with something impressive happening there. Who needs his million dollar show? This is where it's at.
2. If something is where it's at, it is fashionable. Wooden decking, black-stemmed bamboo and olive trees is where it's at in Islington, says Mr Swift.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
where it's at
the most fashionable place, possession, or activity. informal 1990 Ellen Feldman Looking for Love New York is where it's at, stylewise.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
where it’s ˈat
(informal) where the most exciting things are happening (in music, art, etc.): For dance music, New York’s where it’s at right now.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
where it’s at
phr. what one is aiming for; what is needed. (This does not refer to a place.) Keep on trying. That’s where it’s at!
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
where it's at
The key center of activity or action. In this slangy phrase from about 1960, the activity or action can refer to almost any context. A restaurant review by Robert Moss in the Charleston City Paper was headlined, “The Chef’s Specialties Are Where It’s At on Hank’s Seafood’s Menu” (Aug. 18, 2010). Australia’s ABC News headed Emma Rodgers’s political piece, “Where It’s At: Independents’ Seven Key Demands” (Aug. 27, 2010).
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- know where is at
- where it’s at
- where the action is
- not set the Thames on fire
- set the heather alight
- set the heather on fire
- set the Thames alight
- set the Thames on fire
- set the world alight
- Thames