v. phr. , informal Something to be considered; how things are; a happening; business. I thought he needed money, but it was another kettle of fish his car had disappeared. Usually used with "pretty", "fine", "nice", but meaning bad trouble. He had two flat tires and no spare on a country road at night, which was certainly a pretty kettle of fish. This is a fine kettle of fish! I forgot my book.
Compare: CUP OP TEA 2 .