A different kettle of fish

phrase

A completely different situation or person.

She is smart and studious, but her sister is a different kettle of fish.
Visual representation of "a different kettle of fish" - A completely different situation or person

Often appears as...

  • quite a different kettle of fish
  • rather a different kettle of fish

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

phrase

A completely different situation or person.

She is smart and studious, but her sister is a different kettle of fish.
Visual representation of "a different kettle of fish" - A completely different situation or person

Often appears as...

  • quite a different kettle of fish
  • rather a different kettle of fish

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a different kettle of fish"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Nuance

This phrase implies contrast, usually more than just a simple difference, and often suggests a situation is unique or unusual.

Illustration for Idiomatic Nuance
If you can drive a car, riding a motorcycle will be a different kettle of fish.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

This idiom is of British origin, so it might be more recognized and understood in UK English than in other varieties of English.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Backpacking through Europe is quite a different kettle of fish than a guided tour.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Literality

The phrase doesn't relate to fish or kettles; understand it's a figurative expression for saying something is different.

Illustration for Avoid Literality
Trading stocks is a different kettle of fish from saving money in a bank.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Nuance

This phrase implies contrast, usually more than just a simple difference, and often suggests a situation is unique or unusual.

Illustration for Idiomatic Nuance
If you can drive a car, riding a motorcycle will be a different kettle of fish.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

This idiom is of British origin, so it might be more recognized and understood in UK English than in other varieties of English.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Backpacking through Europe is quite a different kettle of fish than a guided tour.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Literality

The phrase doesn't relate to fish or kettles; understand it's a figurative expression for saying something is different.

Illustration for Avoid Literality
Trading stocks is a different kettle of fish from saving money in a bank.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Nuance

This phrase implies contrast, usually more than just a simple difference, and often suggests a situation is unique or unusual.

Illustration for Idiomatic Nuance
If you can drive a car, riding a motorcycle will be a different kettle of fish.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Cultural Origin

This idiom is of British origin, so it might be more recognized and understood in UK English than in other varieties of English.

Illustration for Cultural Origin
Backpacking through Europe is quite a different kettle of fish than a guided tour.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid Literality

The phrase doesn't relate to fish or kettles; understand it's a figurative expression for saying something is different.

Illustration for Avoid Literality
Trading stocks is a different kettle of fish from saving money in a bank.
Visual representation of the word "A different kettle of fish"

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