Definitions

kettle of fish

NOUN

difficult situation

Synonyms

WEAK

another can of worms another tune bird of another feather different breed of cat horse of a different color piece of business

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job at Brentford, but this is a whole different kettle of fish," said Sutton.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2025

"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

"If my husband were alive it would be a different kettle of fish."

From The Guardian • Jul. 20, 2013

"That’s a fine kettle of fish," he exclaimed, then turned to his dinner companion.

From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin