kettle of fish

[kettle of fish] {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).

Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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