kettle

  • noun a metal or plastic container with a lid, spout, and handle, used for boiling water.

  — PHRASES a different kettle of fish informal something altogether different from the one just mentioned. the pot calling the kettle black used to convey that the criticisms a person is aiming at someone could equally well apply to themselves. a pretty (or fine) kettle of fish informal an awkward state of affairs.

  — ORIGIN Latin catillus ‘little pot’.

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