kettle of fish

American  

noun

1. an awkward, difficult, or bad situation; muddle; mess.

   He's managed to get himself into a fine kettle of fish!

2. a state of affairs; a matter under consideration.

   The new proposal is quite a different kettle of fish from the last one.

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kettle of fish British  

noun

1. a situation; state of affairs (often used ironically in the phrase a pretty or fine kettle of fish )

2. case; matter for consideration

   that's quite a different kettle of fish

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kettle of fish Idioms  

1. Also, . An unpleasant or messy predicament, as in They haven't spoken in years, and they're assigned to adjoining seats—that's a fine kettle of fish . This term alludes to the Scottish riverside picnic called kettle of fish , where freshly caught salmon were boiled and eaten out of hand. [Early 1700s]

2. . A very different matter or issue, not necessarily a bad one. For example, They're paying for the meal? That's a different kettle of fish . [First half of 1900s]

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Etymology

Origin of kettle of fish

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

"America was a different kettle of fish – the opportunity was the biggest thing for us," Allen said.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

"And that may be a different kettle of fish."

From Salon • Jul. 18, 2023

“It’s one thing to go to Channel One or Spengler,” he said, “but it’s a whole other kettle of fish when you may have a chance to go to the Olympics.”

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2022

There is definitely plenty of talent in the Romanian squad but being able to beat Germany is another kettle of fish.

From The Guardian • Mar. 28, 2021

As you may know, traveling alone is quite a different kettle of fish from traveling with companions.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood