Kettle of fish This term is usually part of 'a fine kettle of fish', 'a pretty kettle of fish' etc, which mean 'a muddle or awkward state of affairs'. The expression 'a different kettle of fish' has, as seems fitting, a different meaning, which is 'an alternative; a different thing altogether'. Vcyydc ex xngk 0 0 0 0 2 c 2 x 0 1 k 1 n 0 1 v 1 d 0 0 1 e 0 0 0 1 g 2 y 0 0 0 0 0 0