What does the phrase a different kettle of fish mean?

a bad state of affairs
1 : a bad state of affairs : mess. 2 : something to be considered or dealt with : matter a different kettle of fish.

What is a kettle of fish called?

The expression “a kettle of fish” means “a real mess.” If you accidentally scheduled three dates on the same night, you might call it a kettle of fish. Most people who use this expression say either “a fine kettle of fish” or “a pretty kettle of fish,” though what they’re describing isn’t fine or pretty.

Who said a fine kettle of fish?

For example, in Captain Francis Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue of 1811, it’s explained like this: “When a person has perplexed his affairs in general, or any particular business, he is said to have made a fine kettle of fish of it”.

What is Dvoid?

adjective. not possessing, untouched by, void, or destitute (usually followed by of). verb (used with object) to deplete or strip of some quality or substance: imprisonment that devoids a person of humanity.

What is another synonym for kettle of fish?

I’m used to paddling, but those rapids are a whole other kettle of fish. Get Word of the Day daily email! Name that dog! Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

What does the idiom ” fine kettle of fish ” mean?

( idiomatic) An awkward situation; a predicament . “That’s a fine kettle of fish ,” he exclaimed, then turned to his dinner companion. “Fine kettle of fish. I’m so hungry even that sounds good, and from the looks of this menu that’s probably what I’ll get.”

What’s the origin of’a different kettle of fish’?

‘A different kettle of fish’ is an alternative to what has been previously considered; a different thing altogether. For example, we might offer to have a friend stay for a few days but remark that a stay of a few months would be a different kettle of fish. What’s the origin of the phrase ‘A different kettle of fish’?