a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For brands, viral screenshots can damage years of careful reputation-building in a matter of minutes.
—
Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Protect your little ones and furry friends: Never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
The photographic update comes a matter of weeks after Parker previewed new Tame Impala material during a surprise DJ set at Barcelona’s Nitsa Club.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 14 July 2025
But being added to the list also allows sites to become eligible for global funding programs in case any repairs or restoration work is needed, as once included in the list, the site's protection becomes a matter of interest for the entire world.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
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Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Protect your little ones and furry friends: Never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
The photographic update comes a matter of weeks after Parker previewed new Tame Impala material during a surprise DJ set at Barcelona’s Nitsa Club.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 14 July 2025
But being added to the list also allows sites to become eligible for global funding programs in case any repairs or restoration work is needed, as once included in the list, the site's protection becomes a matter of interest for the entire world.
—Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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