のは～の方(ほう)だIt is...that..., It is...who..., ...is the one that..., ...is the one who...

のは～の方(ほう)だ is an expression used to show that (A) (usually despite expectations) is (B). It can be translated as 'the one that (A), is (B)'. This phrase is made up of the following parts:

のは - Used for nominalization (creating a noun phrase). は highlights contrast between two (or more) elements.

の方(ほう) - A combination of の, the case marking particle, and 方(ほう), a noun meaning 'side', or 'direction'.

だ (or です) - The auxiliary verb used for 'determining' something.

The literal meaning of this grammar point is something similar to 'that which is (A), is on the side of (B)'. By saying that something is on the 'side' of (B), it comes across more gently than expressly stating that it 'is (B)'.

To use this construction, attach のは to the end of a phrase, and then follow it with a noun + の方(ほう)だ. Note that のは will become なのは if the final word before のは is a noun.

Fun Fact

This phrase is often used apologetically, to express that someone feels that they are the individual who is (more) responsible (for causing a certain outcome).