Where did the phrase "a different kettle of fish" originate?

robboy

[Q] From Heather Rechtman; Geoff Genford: "What is the origin of the expression that's a different kettle of fish? Is it British or American?" [A] It's originally British. There are actually two common idioms based around the phrase a kettle of fish. One is yours, which means "This is a different matter from the one previously mentioned." The other is more of an exclamation: either as a pretty kettle of fish! or a fine kettle of fish! meaning that some awkward state of affairs has arisen. The latter is much older, dating from the eighteenth century, while yours is twentieth-century and seems to be derived from it. This from Michael Quinion at quinion.com [May 02 04 5:33 PM] robboy writes: This is quite wordy, but explains your question. http://www.quinion.com/words/qa/qa-ket1.htm May 02 04, 4:20 PM

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