kettle of fish

noun phrase

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

Examples of kettle of fish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Penguin is a completely different kettle of fish. — Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 Speaking of painstaking efforts, the doorways were another kettle of fish. — Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar, Architectural Digest, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kettle of fish was in 1742

Rhymes for kettle of fish

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Browse Nearby Words

kettleman
kettle of fish
kettler
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Cite this Entry

“Kettle of fish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kettle%20of%20fish. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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