Kettle of fish Meaning in English
expression
Definition
'Kettle of fish' is an idiom describing a difficult, confusing, or problematic situation. Sometimes, it can mean a different situation than expected.
Usage & Nuances
This phrase is informal and often used in the negative: 'a pretty kettle of fish' means a big mess, while 'a different kettle of fish' refers to a completely different matter. Rarely about actual fish.
Example Sentences
Getting locked out of your house is a real kettle of fish.
basic
This homework is turning into a kettle of fish.
basic
After the mistake, we ended up in a kettle of fish.
basic
If you think missing the bus is bad, wait until you lose your wallet—now that's a kettle of fish.
natural
Jake's broken leg turned the vacation into a whole new kettle of fish.
natural
I thought the meeting would be boring, but it turned out to be a totally different kettle of fish.
natural