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Region: General | Usage example: Now that they missed the deadline it is a pretty kettle of fish.

A pretty kettle of fish

Meaning

An awkward or messy situation.

Usage

Describes troublesome matters.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

British phrase where 'kettle of fish' meant a mess; 'pretty' adds irony.

Dates to the early 1800s in British idiom dictionaries.

Related Idioms

A whole different kettle of fish

A separate matter from what was previously discussed.

Fish out of water

Feel uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

Fish or cut bait

Act decisively or step aside.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.