kettle of fishn. pl. kettles of fish ► A troublesomely awkward or embarrassing situation.
► A matter to be reckoned with:
Making money and keeping it are two quite different kettles of fish. [TahlilGaran] American Dictionary ▲
kettle of fish v. phr.,
informal Something to be considered; how things are; a happening; business.
I thought he needed money, but it was another kettle of fish
■ his car had disappeared. ■ Usually used with "pretty", "fine", "nice", but meaning bad trouble.
He had two flat tires and no spare on a country road at night, which was certainly a pretty kettle of fish.
This is a fine kettle of fish! I forgot my book. Compare: CUP OP TEA
2.
[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲