the little/small matter
Definition of the little/small matter
—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.
Read the Latest from M-W
Word by Word Definitions
: not big: such as
: small in size or extent : tiny
: young
: in only a small quantity or degree : slightly
: not at all
: rarely, infrequently
: a small amount, quantity, or degree
: practically nothing
: a short time
: having comparatively little size or slight dimensions
: lowercase
: minor in influence, power, or rank
: in or into small pieces
: without force or loudness
: in a small manner
: a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder
: small-sized products
: smallclothes
: a subject under consideration
: a subject of disagreement or litigation
: the events or circumstances of a particular situation
: to form or discharge pus : suppurate
: to be of importance : signify
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up the little/small matter? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!