a whole new ball game

a (whole) new ballgame

A situation that is completely different from what one is used to or expecting. Living away from home is a whole new ballgame for most young adults. I used to babysit, but having a child of my own is a new ballgame.

See also: ballgame, new

a whole new ball game

or

a different ball game

If you describe a situation as a whole new ball game, or a different ball game, you mean that it is completely different from what came before. I'm working with kids now, which is a whole new ball game. If military force were to be used, then that would be a completely different ball game. Note: `Ball game' is often used in American English to refer to a game of baseball.

See also: ball, game, new, whole

a whole new ball game

a completely new set of circumstances. informal

The phrase originated in North America, where a ball game is a baseball match.

1989 Looks Making the film was a whole new ball game…for Kylie.

See also: ball, game, new, whole

a whole new ball game

n. a completely different situation; something completely different. Now that you’re here, it’s a whole new ball game.

See also: ball, game, new, whole