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
The path to becoming our own company wasn’t a matter of slapping a new logo on our doors.
—
Bob Coleman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Kelsey, in a statement posted via Instagram, thanked the parents of the Hendersonville baby and told them their child had been picked up in a matter of minutes, received medical care and was now with the Department of Children's Services, who were searching for the perfect set of forever parents.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025
For now, the vacancy remains a matter of speculation, but Bessent’s self-removal from contention lends some additional shape to the race.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Protect your little ones and furry friends: Never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
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Bob Coleman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Kelsey, in a statement posted via Instagram, thanked the parents of the Hendersonville baby and told them their child had been picked up in a matter of minutes, received medical care and was now with the Department of Children's Services, who were searching for the perfect set of forever parents.
—Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Aug. 2025
For now, the vacancy remains a matter of speculation, but Bessent’s self-removal from contention lends some additional shape to the race.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Protect your little ones and furry friends: Never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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