a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Do: Feature Books With or Without Their Jackets Removing book covers is an aesthetic choice and a matter of personal preference.
—
Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2024
Much like our top pick, this professional-strength clear gloss works to boost vibrancy and hair color in a matter of minutes.
—Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024
Figi said for families like hers, CBD access was a matter of life or death.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024
Putin values and trusts Nabiullina’s counsel, seeing her presence as a matter of balancing out the president’s economic team, according to people familiar with the matter.
—Rachel Ventresca, Fortune Europe, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for a matter of 
Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2024
Much like our top pick, this professional-strength clear gloss works to boost vibrancy and hair color in a matter of minutes.
—Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024
Figi said for families like hers, CBD access was a matter of life or death.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 June 2024
Putin values and trusts Nabiullina’s counsel, seeing her presence as a matter of balancing out the president’s economic team, according to people familiar with the matter.
—Rachel Ventresca, Fortune Europe, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for a matter of
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'a matter of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
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