a different kettle of fish
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Something else entirely; a completely different matter.
Register: neutral
Sources & notes
Curated everyday-idiom list, site editorial 2026-07-30.
Common questions
What does “a different kettle of fish” mean?
Something else entirely; a completely different matter.
Is “a different kettle of fish” formal or informal?
a different kettle of fish is generally neutral.