the little/small matter

noun

used in an ironic way to refer to a difficult situation or problem
He wants to buy a new car, but first there's the little/small matter of getting enough money to pay for it.

Examples of the little/small matter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web All that while rocking his half-bat-like features like sharp teeth and pointy ears — oh, there’s also the small matter of his need for human blood. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 July 2024 Then there’s the small matter of four-time NBA champion, four-time regular season MVP and four-time Finals MVP LeBron James, who finishes up media work before heading onto the court. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 28 July 2024 Then come the security briefings — including on protocols in case of nuclear attack — calls to world leaders, and finally the small matter of running the country. NBC News, 5 July 2024 Meanwhile, there’s the small matter of how to sell the public on a movie with a twisty concept, potentially off-putting visuals, and headlined by a star whose box-office power had seen better days. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the little/small matter 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the little/small matter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near the little/small matter

Cite this Entry

“The little/small matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20little%2Fsmall%20matter. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

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