idiom old-fashioned. a very difficult and annoying situation. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Difficult situations and unpleasant experiences.
Where did the saying a fine kettle of fish come from?
THIS IS a variant of the far more common “pretty kettle of fish”, meaning a disagreeable situation, which goes back at least to the early 18th century. In former centuries a “kettle” was a metal pot used for boiling liquids or cooking, and a fish-kettle was a common household utensil.
How much is a kettle of fish?
Subscriber Henk Rietveld wrote to say that he had heard, while working in Newfoundland, that kettle of fish was a corruption of quintal of fish, a measure either of 100 pounds or a hundredweight.
Who said a pretty kettle of fish?
Well, Mr. Baldwin, this is a pretty kettle of fish! Quoted by James Pope-Hennessy in Queen Mary, 1867-1953 (1959).
What is the meaning of the phrase fine kettle of fish? – Related Questions
Is kettle of fish a metaphor?
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.
How do you use a pretty kettle of fish in a sentence?
1. He’s managed to get himself into a fine kettle of fish!
What is the saying about a kettle?
idiom. something you say that means people should not criticize someone else for a fault that they have themselves: Elliott accused me of being selfish. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!
What got to do with the price of fish saying?
What’s that got to do with the price of fish? A rhetorical question calling attention to a non-sequitur or irrelevant statement or suggestion made by another person. Primarily heard in UK.
Why are there fish in the kettle?
In the eighteenth century, a kettle was any large vessel used to boil stuff in, unlike the kettle people think of today, which is used for making tea. At that time, Scottish gentrys (the upper class) would have picnics by a river. During these picnics, they would catch fish and throw them into kettles.
What type of music does kettle of fish play?
What is Kettle of Fish? Their original music is an amalgam of rock, blues, reggae and new orleans soul… Their covers include deep tracks from Little Feat, the Rolling Stones, the Neville Brothers, the Allmans, the Dead, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix and much more
What music attracts fish?
It turns out that the “reef music” worked in attracting and keeping fish to help with natural recovery. “Healthy coral reefs are remarkably noisy places – the crackle of snapping shrimp and the whoops and grunts of fish combine to form a dazzling biological soundscape,” explains Dr.
What is Newfoundland music called?
Cultural Roots
It is often called “Celtic music,” and its connection with music made by the Celtic peoples of Brittany, Ireland, Scotland and Wales is obvious. But other roots must also be acknowledged, including those of settlers from the West Country of England.
Do fish like the sound of music?
To my surprise, loud sounds or music will scare fish. But compared to random noises, which tend to irritate and create a fright reaction in fish, music could possibly lure fish to its source (you) as long as the noise isn’t too loud.
Do fishes sleep?
While fish do not sleep in the same way that land mammals sleep, most fish do rest. Research shows that fish may reduce their activity and metabolism while remaining alert to danger. Some fish float in place, some wedge themselves into a secure spot in the mud or coral, and some even locate a suitable nest.
Can fish hear humans?
However, yes, they can hear your voice.
They can associate sounds with action, though. For example, if you are to say your betta fish’s name – let us call him George – each time you sprinkle food in his aquarium, he will eventually associate the sound of “George” with food.
Can fish see in dark?
Fish living in the deep sea manage to navigate in complete darkness. It’s not strictly ‘seeing’ but fish have rows of pressure-sensitive organs running down each side of their body called the lateral line, which allows them to sense nearby animals from the pressure changes in the water.
What colors scare fish?
Bright colors will help alert fish to your presence, and often spook them.
Do fish have feelings?
Nerves, brain structure, brain chemistry and behaviour – all evidence indicates that, to varying degrees, fish can feel pain, fear and psychological stress.
Can fishes feel pain?
“Fish do feel pain. It’s likely different from what humans feel, but it is still a kind of pain.” At the anatomical level, fish have neurons known as nociceptors, which detect potential harm, such as high temperatures, intense pressure, and caustic chemicals.
Can a fish feel happy?
Most pet fish that are happy and comfortable spend less time hiding and more time moving around. And just like humans, happy fish usually have a vibrant glow which is a sign of good health.