a different/new ball game

a (whole) new ballgame

A situation that is completely different from what one is used to or expecting. Living away from home is a whole new ballgame for most young adults. I used to babysit, but having a child of my own is a new ballgame.See also: ballgame, new

a (whole) different/new ˈball game

(informal) a completely different kind of situation: They used to go out every night, but now they’ve got a baby it’s a whole new ball game.See also: ball, different, game, new