Pronunciation: [hˈə͡ʊl θˈɪŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "whole thing" is quite straightforward. "Whole" is spelled as /hoʊl/ and pronounced with a long "oh" sound followed by an "l" sound. "Thing" is spelled as /θɪŋ/ and pronounced with a voiced "th" sound followed by an "ih" sound and a nasal "ng" sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced as / hoʊl θɪŋ / and refers to an object or concept in its entirety, without leaving any part out.
The term "whole thing" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the entirety, completeness, or total package of something. It generally implies a sense of entirety and completeness without any parts or elements missing. "Whole thing" is often used to describe a singular entity or object, encompassing all its components or aspects.
In a literal sense, "whole thing" can be used to describe a physical object or a specific event. For example, when preparing a recipe, the "whole thing" refers to the entire set of instructions and ingredients necessary to create the desired dish, without leaving out any steps or components. Similarly, when discussing an event or a story, the "whole thing" pertains to the entire narrative or sequence of occurrences from beginning to end, without omitting any critical details.
Figuratively, "whole thing" can extend beyond tangible objects or events and also be used to describe abstract concepts. It can refer to a complete system, a comprehensive approach, or an all-encompassing mindset. For instance, in a discussion about problem-solving strategies, someone might describe a particular method as the "whole thing," implying that it addresses all the relevant factors and provides a comprehensive solution.
In conclusion, the term "whole thing" is an idiomatic expression used to encapsulate the entirety, completeness, or holistic nature of something, whether it be physical objects, events, or abstract concepts. Its usage signifies the presence of all necessary components, aspects, or considerations without any omissions or exclusions.
The phrase "whole thing" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two English words.
The word "whole" comes from the Old English word "hal" which means "entire" or "uninjured". It has Germanic roots and is related to the Old High German word "heil" and the Dutch word "heel".
The word "thing" also comes from Old English where it was spelled as "þing", which meant a "meeting" or "assembly". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "thingaz" and has cognates in other Germanic languages such as the Old Norse word "thing" and the Dutch word "ding".
When these two words are combined, "whole thing" simply means the entirety of something or the complete matter or object being referred to.
