What is the origin of the expression "a kettle of fish" when referring to something that is different?

luvtheheaven

This is a British expression. It was originally literal. 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. No one is quie certain as to how it became an expression, though. Apr 04 05, 3:26 PM

Baloo55th

And if they failed to catch the fish, they would have to have a Barmecide Feast.... Nice one, Luvvie. Not many people know this one. Or about kettles. The kettledrum is called that because it is so like an original kettle - no spout, in other words. Apr 04 05, 4:35 PM

gmackematix

Also the term kettle mere is from that source. Apr 04 05, 7:57 PM

kaylofgorons

Referring to something different? I've only heard it in the expression "that's a fine kettle of fish." Apr 04 05, 9:53 PM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

Where did the expression 'sow one's wild oats,' referring to excesses in youth, originate? Where did the expression to "eighty-six" something come from? Is 'enough is enough' a quote from something, or just an expression? What does HOG stand for when referring to motorbikes?

1 And Now for Something Completely Different All of the following questions will have something to do with the movies of Monty Python, though they may be something completely different. Monty Python Average 10 Q MageJack Sep 06 09 429 plays 2 Complete the Expression Complete the expression. ie 365 D in a Y = Days in a Year. Do not use the numbers in your answer, just the words after them. If there are parenthesis in the question, use them in your answer. Number Phrases Impossible 25 Q awkins Apr 03 00 3195 plays 3 Origin Here is a quiz based on the European release of the album in 2003. Good luck! Evanescence Average 20 Q catwoman2004 Apr 29 05 354 plays