Idiom – A Different Kettle of Fish

A Different Kettle of Fish – Idiom of the Day 

Meaning:

A different kind of thing or person in comparison to the one mentioned earlier

History:

Although originated in the United Kingdom, this phrase is also prevalently used in the United States. The origin can be traced to 1785 when A Tour in England and Scotland by Thomas Newte was published. Another origin of the phrase dates back to 1889 when it was mentioned in Carlisle Patriot, a newspaper published in Scotland. The newspaper had mentioned this phrase as, “To enable them to manage their own local affairs will not satisfy Irishmen. What they want is a very different kettle of fish.” In 1738, this idiom also appeared in The Rival Masons that was taken from The Political State of Great Britain’s 56th volume. However, in this book the word ‘different’ was replaced with ‘fine.’ Another mention was found in The History of Tome Jones, published by Henry Fielding in 1749.

Synonyms:

Another Can of Worms
Another Tune
Bird of Another Feather
Different Breed of Cat
Horse of a Different Color

Examples:

Go through the examples to understand the usage of the idiom:

1. The current prime minister is a different kettle of fish from his predecessors.
2. Out of my sister and I, she is a different kettle of fish.
3. I cannot figure out the taste of this dish as it is a different kettle of fish from what I have tasted so far.
4. What you said yesterday is completely different from today’s opinions. It’s like a different kettle of fish altogether.