PhrasesHub

Different kettle of fish

    Definitions

      • contrast
        Compare two situations, things, or people that are very different from each other

      • difficulty
        Refer to a situation that is more complicated or problematic than it initially seemed

    Examples of Different kettle of fish

    • The negotiations with our suppliers were a different kettle of fish compared to the ones we had with our previous partners.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation that is significantly different from a previous one. In this example, the negotiations with the new suppliers were distinctly different from the ones the speaker had experienced with their former partners. This could be due to various factors such as the nature of the products or services being negotiated, the personalities of the parties involved, or the market conditions at the time.

    • The project we're working on now is a different kettle of fish compared to the one we completed last year.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a current situation as being different from a past one. In this example, the speaker is implying that the current project they're working on is different from the one they finished the previous year. Again, this could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the complexity of the project, the technology being used, or the team working on it.

    • Dealing with our new client is a different kettle of fish compared to our long-standing customers.

      This idiom can also be used to compare different types of situations or people. In this example, the speaker is saying that dealing with their new client is distinctly different from dealing with their long-standing customers. This could be because the new client has different needs, expectations, or communication styles than their regular customers.

    • The situation we're facing now is a different kettle of fish compared to what we anticipated.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation that is unexpected or different from what was expected. In this example, the speaker is implying that the current situation they're facing is different from what they anticipated. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as unforeseen circumstances, new information, or changing circumstances.

    • The project we're working on now is a different kettle of fish compared to the one we thought it would be.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation that is different from what was initially thought or believed. In this example, the speaker is implying that the current project they're working on is different from what they initially thought it would be. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as new information, changing requirements, or unexpected challenges.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "different kettle of fish" is used to express a contrast between two things or situations. It can also be used to indicate that something is more difficult or complicated than it appears at first glance.

    Origin of "Different kettle of fish"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to come from the practice of cooking fish in large kettles. In the past, fish were often caught and cooked in large batches, and it was common for different types of fish to be cooked in separate kettles. This led to the phrase "a different kettle of fish" being used to refer to a different type of fish being cooked in a different kettle.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to be used figuratively to refer to situations or things that are completely different from each other. It is also possible that the phrase originated from the Scottish phrase "a pretty kettle of fish," which was used to describe a confusing or chaotic situation. Whatever its exact origins may be, the idiom has been in use since at least the 1700s and has become a popular way to express contrast and difficulty in English.