kettle
(ketəl )
Word forms: kettles
1. countable noun B2 regional note: in AM, use teakettle
A kettle is a covered container that you use for boiling water. It has a handle, and a spout for the water to come out of. [mainly British]
I'll put the kettle on and make us some tea.
A kettle of water is the amount of water contained in a kettle.
Pour a kettle of boiling water over the onions. [+ of]
2. countable noun regional note: in BRIT, use pan
A kettle is a metal pot for boiling or cooking things in. [mainly US]
Put the meat into a small kettle.
3. a different kettle of fish phrase
If you say that something is a different kettle of fish, you mean that it is very different from another related thing that you are talking about. [informal]
Playing for the reserve team is a totally different kettle of fish.
Image of kettle
© Sundraw Photography, Shutterstock
Idioms:
a different kettle of fish
something that is completely unlike another thing that you have mentioned
Artistic integrity? Who needs it? Money? Now that's a completely different kettle of fish.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
the pot calling the kettle black
said to mean that someone with a particular fault accuses someone else of having the same fault
For him to be in a job telling people how to be safe driving is pretty much the pot calling the kettle black.
Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Translations:
Chinese: 壶
Japanese: ケトル