то-то и оно

• (ВОТ) ТО-ТО И ОНО <ОНО-ТО>; (ВОТ) ТО-ТО (ОНО) И ЕСТЬ{{}}all coll

[Interj; used as indep. sent or main clause in a complex sent (usu. foll. by a что-clause); these forms only; fixed WO]

=====

⇒ this/ that is the important factor, the essential thing (used to emphasize that what has just been said or is about to be said is the central issue, the most important aspect of the matter in question):

- thatis just it <the thing, the point>;

- that's the whole point;

- [in limited contexts](and) that's the problem <the trouble>;

- you've put your finger on it;

- my point exactly;

- that's just my point;

- [when foll. by a что-clause] the thing is...;

- the (whole) point is...;

- my point is...;

- [in limited contexts] the problem <the trouble> is...

     ♦ "...А не подождать ли тебе вечера, чтобы по темноте выехать? Главное, через совхоз незамеченным проехать. А не то, если засекут..." - "Оно-то верно, - заколебался Кокетай. - Да долго ждать до вечера. Выедем потихоньку. Поста ведь нет на дороге, чтобы проверить нас?.. Случайно если наткнешься на милицию или на кого еще..." - "То-то и оно!" - пробурчал Орозкул... (Айтматов 1). "...It might be best if you don't start out back till evening. Let it get darker. The main thing is to get past the Soviet farm without attracting attention. If they find out..." "You're right enough." Koketay was undecided. "But it's a long wait till evening. We'll start out slowly. After all, there's no patrol post on the road to check us. Unless you accidentally run into the police or someone like that. ..." "That's just it," mumbled Orozkul... (1a).

     ♦ Поставил один унитаз, хочется поставить второй, а куда? Вот то-то и оно-то... (Войнович 3). He puts in one toilet; then he wants to put in another. But where? And that's the problem (3a).

     ♦ "Я бы про него [Панкратова] сказал так: любил командовать, быть первым". - "То-то и оно..." (Рыбаков 2). "I would put it this way: he [Pankratov] liked giving orders, and he wanted to be in charge." "You've put your finger on it..." (2a).