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
How to Register With Underdog Promo Code NEWSWEEK Set up a new account on Underdog in a matter of minutes.
—
Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
This latest attack is the second major arson in a matter of days after dozens of settlers set fire to Palestinian homes and vehicles to the south of Bethlehem.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025
The majority of that revenue comes in across a year or two, whereas box office is done in a matter of weeks or months at best.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2025
This incident ended without anyone getting hurt, but that was a matter of luck.
—Mike Toole, CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
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Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025
This latest attack is the second major arson in a matter of days after dozens of settlers set fire to Palestinian homes and vehicles to the south of Bethlehem.
—Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 20 Nov. 2025
The majority of that revenue comes in across a year or two, whereas box office is done in a matter of weeks or months at best.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 20 Nov. 2025
This incident ended without anyone getting hurt, but that was a matter of luck.
—Mike Toole, CBS News, 19 Nov. 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 29 Nov. 2025.
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