matter

any way you slice it (mainly American, informal, mainly American, informal)

something that you say which means you will not change your opinion about something, whatever anyone says about the matter. He shouldn't have hit her, any way you slice it.

See also: any, slice, way

as a matter of course

if something happens as a matter of course, it happens without people thinking about whether they want it or not. I don't think the Welsh language should be taught in schools as a matter of course - if students want to learn it, that's their choice.

See also: course

be a matter of opinion

1. if something is a matter of opinion, different people have different opinions about it. I don't think there is a perfect way to teach a child to read - it's a matter of opinion, really.

2. if you say that something someone has just said is a matter of opinion, you mean that you do not agree. 'She's a wonderful mother.' 'That's a matter of opinion.'

See also: opinion

be a matter of record

if a fact is a matter of record, you know it is true because it has been written down. His views on immigration are a matter of record.

See also: record

be no laughing matter

if a subject is no laughing matter, it is serious and not something that people should make jokes about. Haemorrhoids are all very funny when other people have them, but if you get them yourself, it's no laughing matter.

See also: laugh

be only a matter of time

if you say that it is only a matter of time before something happens, you mean that you are sure it is going to happen, although you do not know when. It is only a matter of time before he is forced to resign. (usually + before) I know she will be a great novelist. It is only a matter of time.

See also: only, time

grey matter (British & Australian, humorous, American, humorous)

your intelligence. It's an entertaining film but it doesn't exactly stimulate the old grey matter.

See also: grey

the matter in hand (British, American & Australian, formal, American, formal)

the subject or situation that is being thought about or talked about. Do these figures have anything to do with the matter in hand?

See also: hand

a matter of life and/or death

a serious situation where people could die. The results of the peace negotiations could be a matter of life or death for people in the war zone. (not used with the)

See also: death, life

mind over matter

the power of the mind to control and influence the body and the physical world generally. I'm sure you can talk yourself into believing that you're well. It's a case of mind over matter.

See also: mind, over

no matter (slightly formal)

something that you say which means that a problem is not important. It's raining, but no matter, I'll take the dog for a walk anyway.

take matters into your own hands

to deal with a problem yourself because the people who should have dealt with it have failed to do so. The police haven't done anything about the vandalism, so local residents have taken matters into their own hands.

See also: hand, take

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any way you slice it

in whatever manner you consider this. Any way you slice it, there are going to be some very unhappy people when the prizes are announced.

See also: any, slice, way

as a matter of course

naturally or automatically. Many pet owners lavish affection on their animals as a matter of course.

See also: course

as a matter of fact

actually. I did vote for her, as a matter of fact.

Usage notes: used to emphasize the truth of what you are saying

in truth

in reality

See also: fact

for that matter

to the degree that something is considered. I don't know why she wanted to fly to Salt Lake City in this weather, or why she wanted to fly at all for that matter.

so far as something is concerned

See also: that

a matter of doing something

something that needs to be done. Staying healthy as you age is often a matter of avoiding weight gain.

a matter of something

an amount that can be measured. The guards will react to an alarm call within a matter of minutes. We were off our course by a matter of ten to twenty miles to the west.

a matter of life and death

something that is very important or serious. Don't disturb me unless it's matter of life and death.

See also: death, life

a matter of opinion

the particular belief that someone has about something. Whether the situation has improved is not a matter of opinion — things are much worse than they were before.

See also: opinion

a matter of record

a fact recorded in writing. The judgment of the court is a matter of record.

See also: record

a matter of time

sure to happen at some time in the future. If she wins next year's congressional race, it seems only a matter of time before she ends up running for the Senate.

Usage notes: usually used with only or just: It's just a matter of time before prices for the newest computer come down.

See also: time

mind over matter

thought is stronger than physical things. Curing cancer may not be a question of mind over matter, but your attitude is important.

See also: mind, over

no laughing matter

something serious that people should not make jokes about. A wound on your foot is no laughing matter when you're a diabetic.

See also: laugh

no matter

1. it is not important. You never thought about it, did you? Well, no matter.

2. without considering. He will do anything, no matter how unfair, to win an election.

Usage notes: usually followed by how, as in the example, or by who, what, or which: He'll say what he thinks, no matter who you are. She goes out running no matter what the weather is like.I added this w/the meaning of "regardless"; not in CDAE and it is not covered by any def. nor by any of the other entries below; obviously very common--SL, 2/03

no matter how you sliceSee at: a matter of doing something

See also: how, slice

no matter how you slice it

in whatever way you consider this. No matter how you slice it, graduate school is expensive.

See also: how, slice

no matter what

whatever the conditions are. Gun-control laws won't stop crime because I think the criminals will get guns no matter what.