Fine Kettle Of Fish

B2 8+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /faɪn ˈkɛtəl ʌv fɪʃ/

Definitions of fine kettle of fish

noun a situation or state of affairs that is difficult, problematic, or chaotic

Example Sentences

A1 This situation is a fine kettle of fish.

A2 Dealing with this mess is a fine kettle of fish.

B1 The project's unexpected delays have turned it into a fine kettle of fish.

B2 Trying to meet the deadline with all these setbacks is a fine kettle of fish.

C1 The political scandal created a fine kettle of fish for the government.

C2 The legal implications of the case have turned it into a fine kettle of fish for all parties involved.

Examples of fine kettle of fish in a Sentence

formal The situation we find ourselves in is indeed a fine kettle of fish that will require careful consideration.

informal Well, this is a fine kettle of fish we've gotten ourselves into, isn't it?

slang This whole mess is turning out to be one hell of a fine kettle of fish.

figurative Dealing with this problem is like trying to untangle a fine kettle of fish.

Grammatical Forms of fine kettle of fish

past tense

fined kettle of fish

plural

fine kettles of fish

comparative

finer kettle of fish

superlative

finest kettle of fish

present tense

is a fine kettle of fish

future tense

will be a fine kettle of fish

perfect tense

has been a fine kettle of fish

continuous tense

is being a fine kettle of fish

singular

a fine kettle of fish

positive degree

fine kettle of fish

infinitive

to be a fine kettle of fish

gerund

being a fine kettle of fish

participle

a fine kettle of fish

Origin and Evolution of fine kettle of fish

First Known Use: 1785 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The origin of the phrase 'fine kettle of fish' is believed to come from the practice of cooking fish in a kettle during outdoor gatherings or picnics.
Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a messy or chaotic situation, the phrase has evolved to also convey a sense of a difficult or problematic situation.