Where did the saying fine kettle of fish come from?

kettle of fish, a fine/pretty

A messy predicament. This term is believed to come from a Scottish custom of holding a riverside picnic, itself called a “kettle of fish,” where freshly caught live salmon are thrown into a kettle boiling over an open fire and then are eaten out of hand, definitely a messy procedure.

What does a fine kettle of fish mean?

an awkward, difficult, or bad situation; muddle; mess: He's managed to get himself into a fine kettle of fish! a state of affairs; a matter under consideration: The new proposal is quite a different kettle of fish from the last one.

Where did the term a fine kettle of fish come from?

The phrase “a different kettle of fish” is originated from the United Kingdom. However, it is also a widely used phrase in the United States. The origin of “a different kettle of fish” is traced back to Thomas Newte's A Tour in England and Scotland published in 1785. It is stated to have mentioned it.

Who said fine kettle of fish?

The term "fine kettle of fish" may refer to the method of cooking a fish. The earliest recorded use of the expression "a pretty kettle of fish" in this sense occurs in Book 1 of The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews, published in 1742, followed by a use in another novel by the same writer, Henry Fielding.

Where does the saying from pillar to post come from?

At this time, most believe that the term is taken from the game known as real tennis, which is a racket game that was the predecessor to modern tennis. Real tennis involved the use of posts and pillars, and was popular at the time of the first known use of the term from pillar to post.

A Fine Kettle of Fish

What is a group of fish called?

When fish, shrimp or other aquatic creatures swim together in a loose cluster, this is typically called a shoal. It can be a mix of different species. A school is a group of the same fish species swimming together in synchrony; turning, twisting and forming sweeping, glinting shapes in the water.

Can of Worms meaning?

Definition of open a can of worms

: to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn't want to open a can of worms.

Is a red herring a fish?

There is no fish species "red herring", rather it is a name given to a particularly strong kipper, made with fish (typically herring) that has been strongly cured in brine or heavily smoked. This process makes the fish particularly pungent smelling and, with strong enough brine, turns its flesh reddish.

Do not give two hoots meaning?

informal (also not care/give a hoot) to not care about something or someone: I don't give two hoots what she thinks. Expressions meaning 'it isn't important to me'

What is the saying different kettle of fish?

to be completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about: Having knowledge is one thing but being able to communicate it to others is another kettle of fish.

What got to do with a kettle of fish?

The expression "a kettle of fish" means "a real mess." If you accidentally scheduled three dates on the same night, you might call it a kettle of fish. Most people who use this expression say either "a fine kettle of fish" or "a pretty kettle of fish," though what they're describing isn't fine or pretty.

What does give me your 2 cents mean?

Definition of two cents

1 or two cents' worth : an opinion offered on a topic under discussion send your two cents' worth to your senator. 2 : a sum or object of very small value : practically nothing said angrily that for two cents he'd punch your nose.

What does when two Sundays come together mean?

"When two Sundays come together/ meet" is used to talk about a situation that never occurs as two Sundays can never meet.

What does give me your two cents?

(also someone's two cents' worth) someone's opinion about something, esp. when it was not asked for or wanted: If the changes are going to affect me, then I want to put my two cents in.

What is the difference between straw man and red herring?

A red herring is a fallacy that distracts from the issue at hand by making an irrelevant argument. A straw man is a red herring because it distracts from the main issue by painting the opponent's argument in an inaccurate light.

Why is red herring misleading?

That point is a red herring because it isn't relevant to the discussion about cleaning up after oneself. In mystery and crime novels, movies, and shows, a red herring specifically refers to a misleading clue, distracting the reader (or a character in the story) from who's really guilty.

Where did the red herring saying come from?

Where does the expression “red herring” come from? This expression, meaning a false clue, first popped up in British foxhunting circles. Smoked and salted herrings turn bright red in the curing process and emit a pungent, fishy smell.

What does wood for the trees mean?

British. : to not understand or appreciate a larger situation, problem, etc., because one is considering only a few parts of it.

What does the idiom Apple of My Eye mean for kids?

the person of whom one is extremely fond, favorite, loving. most favourite person.

What do you understand by the phrase hornet's nest?

Definition of hornet's nest

1 : a troublesome or hazardous situation. 2 : an angry reaction must have known that his frank comments … would stir up a hornet's nest — U.S. Investor.

What is a pack of ants called?

A group of ants is called a colony. A group of aunts is called a book club.

What is a group of owls called?

“Did you know that a group of owls is called a 'parliament'?” “Did you know that a group of jellyfish is called a 'smack'?” “Did you know that a group of Indonesian mountain weasels is called a 'bubble gum'?”

What is group of dogs called?

When animals get together in a group, we have a specific name for the group. For example, you probably know a group of dogs is a pack.

What does small world mean?

Definition of (it's a) small world

—used to show surprise when one meets someone one knows at an unexpected place or finds out that one shares a friend, acquaintance, etc., with another person You know him, too? Wow, it's a small world.

What does 2 shakes mean?

Definition of in two shakes

: very quickly or soon I'll be ready to go in two shakes.