A fine kettle of fish Meaning in English
expression
Definición
A complicated, difficult, or awkward situation; a mess. Usually used to express frustration or surprise at a problem.
Uso & Matices
This is an old-fashioned, somewhat humorous idiom. It is used both sarcastically and sincerely, often after something has become more complicated than expected. Do not use it for literal fish. Sometimes shortened to 'that's a pretty kettle of fish.'
Oraciones de Ejemplo
This is a fine kettle of fish—the keys are locked inside the car.
basic
Losing my wallet at the airport is a fine kettle of fish.
basic
If it rains during our picnic, that would be a fine kettle of fish.
basic
Well, this is a fine kettle of fish. What do we do now?
natural
You forgot to book the hotel? That's a fine kettle of fish!
natural
We're out of gas in the middle of nowhere—talk about a fine kettle of fish.
natural