1. Fig. a troublesome situation; a vexing problem; a terrible mess. (Usually appears in the expression, This is a fine kettle of fish!)

1. You borrowed money from the bank without telling me and we don’t have enough to pay it back. This is a fine kettle of fish you’ve gotten us into.

2. Lois told her boss she could work on Saturday, but she forgot and promised her friend she would help her move on Saturday. She had gotten herself into a fine kettle of fish.

3. This is a fine kettle of fish. My husband is not here to meet me at the train station, and there’s no phone here for me to call him.

4. Alan: Oh, no! I’ve burned the roast. We don’t have anything to serve our guests as a main dish. Jane: But they’ll be here any minute! This is a fine kettle of fish.