a different kettle of fish

be a different kettle of fish

To be entirely different in scope or description from someone or something that was just being discussed. Steve: "So you like your first two roommates, but what about your third one?" Joe: "William? Oh, he's a different kettle of fish altogether." I suppose we could start looking at buying a house now that our baby is on the way, but that's an entirely different kettle of fish!
See also: different, fish, kettle, of

a different kettle of fish

or

another kettle of fish

BRITISH
COMMON You say that something is a different kettle of fish or another kettle of fish to emphasize that it is completely unlike another thing that you are mentioning. Artistic integrity? Who needs it? Money? Now that's a completely different kettle of fish. Howard was a sweetheart. But Clarisse was another kettle of fish.
See also: different, fish, kettle, of

a different kettle of fish

a completely different matter or type of person from the one previously mentioned. informal
1993 Empire Meryl is the finest actress of her generation but Arnold is, er, a different kettle of fish.
See also: different, fish, kettle, of

a different kettle of ˈfish

(informal) a person or thing that is completely different from somebody/something else previously mentioned: You may be able to read French well, but speaking it fluently is a different kettle of fish entirely.
A kettle in this idiom is a pan in which you can cook a whole fish.
See also: different, fish, kettle, of
References in periodicals archive ?
A Different Kettle of Fish gives a fascinating and helpful insight into the perplexities of everyday existence for people on the autistic spectrum.
Barton, Michael: A Different Kettle of Fish: A Day in the Life of a Physics Student with Autism
David said: "Each mill has its own particular identity but Wern Mill is a different kettle of fish completely.
MILL WHEEL TURNS BACK THE CLOCK
Some players change clubs at the drop of a hat to boost their bank balance – but Harry Haddock was a different kettle of fish.
LOCAL HEROES L H; ALAN McMILLAN'S ALAN M
Everyone who worked with him at Manchester United can vouch for the fact that he's a top coach - but working as a manager, where the buck stops, is a different kettle of fish.
Jol's gone, but questions remain at the Cottage
PAULO DI CANIO has been sacked - and that makes Liverpool's trip to Sunderland on Sunday a different kettle of fish.
DI CANIO'S EXIT WON'T HELP REDS
Now if he should offer Guisborough and Nunthorpe instead, well that would be a different kettle of fish, at least we could get on with building the East Middlesbrough Relief Road.
Where to draw line; Your say
Despite victory over Hull FC in Super League on Easter Monday, Nathan Brown and his men know it will be a different kettle of fish this time around away from home.
Hull FC Big Cup foes; Opposition guide
Williams added: "We also have a big offer on Big Buck's in the Long Walk - money back if your horse finishes second to him - and we're 1-3 about Big Buck's" William Hill are also due to offer 5-1 Prospect Wells and spokeswoman Kate Miller said: "There's been plenty of money for his opponents and, while on paper he looks progressive, this is a different kettle of fish.
Bookies happy to lay Prospect; PRICE WARS
But Sandbach are a different kettle of fish, and the visitors will have to be fully switched on for this one if they are to give themselves a chance of moving up to first or second spot in the table.
Pair out for Widnes
If it rains it could be a different kettle of fish, but it is not something we can think about at this point".
Plato's not confident
Brown Panther bolted up with a six-length victory in the King George V Handicap but this is a different kettle of fish.
Owen for the gloves A great
Chelsea are a different kettle of fish compared to Stoke, and people might say that if we lost to Stoke then we haven't got much hope tomorrow," he said.
Let's attack Blues - skipper
But heat and humidity are a different kettle of fish because they are things you can prepare for.
Athletics: Radcliffe plays down air fears
It's a different kettle of fish when it comes to the homeless.
Leading article: Leave them in London
But midfielder Lampard - who has never won at Anfield - warned: "It'll be a different kettle of fish for us away from home.
Football: Best test for Frank; LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?