C2idiominformalfoodIELTS-friendly
a different kettle of fish
USUK
a completely different situation from the one just mentioned
Mainly British. Used to contrast two things; American speakers more often say 'a whole different ball game'.
In context
Riding a motorbike in the village is easy, but Hanoi traffic is a different kettle of fish.
Speaking English with friends is fine; giving a presentation is a different kettle of fish.
More idioms about food
- a bad appleone bad person who has a bad effect on the rest of a group
- a couch potatoa person who spends a lot of time sitting and watching TV instead of being active
- a finger in every pieinvolved in many different activities, often to get power
- a meal ticketa person or thing that someone uses as a source of money or support
- a melting pota place where people of many cultures live and mix together