a horse of a different color
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A completely separate matter; something quite different from what was being discussed.
Register: neutral
Sources & notes
Curated everyday-idiom list, site editorial 2026-07-30.
Common questions
What does “a horse of a different color” mean?
A completely separate matter; something quite different from what was being discussed.
Is “a horse of a different color” formal or informal?
a horse of a different color is generally neutral.