a thing of legend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thing of legend" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is famous or has become legendary, often due to its remarkable qualities or historical significance. Example: "The ancient sword was said to be a thing of legend, wielded by heroes of old in epic battles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The bus down from Glasgow was a thing of legend.

The Guardian - Books

"The history is so undocumented that most of it is much more now a thing of legend and myth".

The New York Times

1989 Japan Senna's rivalry with Prost is a thing of legend and it was this particular race that played a huge part in the tale.

Independent

Their origin story is now a thing of legend: two doe-eyed designers meet at Parsons, teaming up for a 2002 senior collection so fully formed that Barneys buys the entire lot.

The New York Times

In four wins — three blowouts and one unforgettable last-minute victory (in which his pointing out of John Candy in the crowd is a thing of legend) — Montana put up an unbelievable 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.

The New York Times

BEAUTY IS LIFE COSMETICS Earlier this year, it was announced that Shu Uemura Cosmetics (whose eyelash curler is a thing of legend) was pulling out of Barneys New York and other retail stores in the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The musical line-up was a thing of legends: Supercat, Bounty Killer, Capelton, Junior Gong (my current favourite), Stephen Marley (my fast up-and-coming favourite), Cham, Spragga Benz, Ky-Mani Marley, Third World, and many more.

Huffington Post

Like its cousin, the "360 on a swing set," the vertical looping water slide has long been a thing of childhood legend.

Vice

We stood next to each other, because open seats are a thing of myth and legend on the 2. I was wearing a backwards Cubs cap and reading my Kindle by that point.

Huffington Post

Her laugh was the thing of legends, incredible and contagious and mentioned over and over in the first weeks after she took her life.

Huffington Post

When you've lived for a long time and are well traveled, your story can get complicated, be misrepresented by others, or if you're really lucky, become the thing of legends.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve the phrase for truly remarkable subjects to maintain its impact; overusing it on mundane things can come across as hyperbolic or ironic.

Common error

Writers sometimes mistakenly use "a things of legend" when referring to multiple items. While the singular form is an idiom, for multiple items you should use "things of legend" or simply describe them as "legendary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thing of legend" functions primarily as a noun phrase used as a subjective complement. It typically follows a linking verb (like 'is' or 'was') to characterize a subject as extraordinary. According to Ludwig AI data, it acts as a rhetorical device to elevate the status of the noun being described.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a thing of legend" is a powerful linguistic tool used to denote that something has reached a level of fame or quality that feels mythical. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and highly effective idiom, particularly in journalistic contexts where a writer wants to emphasize the exceptional nature of a subject. Whether describing a historic sports game, a famous fashion piece, or a legendary work ethic, this phrase elevates the subject beyond the mundane. While it is similar to "the stuff of legend", it is slightly more focused on the object's identity as a singular, legendary entity. Use it to add color and authority to your descriptions, but ensure the subject truly warrants such high-level terminology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the stuff of legend

Uses the word 'stuff' to imply a more substantial or essential nature.

legendary

A direct adjective form that is more concise but lacks the same rhetorical flair.

a thing of myth

Swaps 'legend' for 'myth', often implying something ancient or potentially unproven.

fabled

Suggests something spoken of in stories or tales from the past.

iconic

A more modern synonym focusing on the subject's status as a symbol or representative.

of epic proportions

Emphasizes the scale or grandeur rather than just the narrative history.

storied

Highlights a long and celebrated history or background.

widely renowned

A descriptive phrase focusing on fame and widespread knowledge.

shrouded in lore

Implies a sense of mystery or traditional knowledge surrounding the subject.

a thing of history

Shifts the focus from narrative greatness to factual past existence.

FAQs

What does it mean if something is "a thing of legend"?

It means the subject is so famous or remarkable that it is spoken of as if it were part of a myth or a legendary tale. In Ludwig, you can see this applied to everything from sports rivalries to specific fashion items.

Can I use "a thing of legends" instead?

While "a thing of legend" is more common, using the plural "a thing of legends" is also acceptable and appears in reputable media to emphasize that many different legends surround the topic.

What can I say instead of "a thing of legend"?

Depending on your context, you might use "the stuff of legend" for a similar feel, or "iconic" for something more modern and symbolic.

Is "a thing of legend" formal?

The phrase is neutral to slightly literary. It is frequently found in high-quality journalism, such as The New York Times, but it is also common in informal storytelling and reviews.