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
There is the small matter of a U.S. presidential election coming up on November 5, an election that some are calling the most consequential in living memory.
—
Dan Berger, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Before then, there’s the small matter of an update to the iPhone SE.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
But there is also the small matter of navigating the notoriously difficult Western Conference, which is looking particularly stacked with talent this season.
—Matias Grez, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
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
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Dan Berger, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Before then, there’s the small matter of an update to the iPhone SE.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 12 Oct. 2024
But there is also the small matter of navigating the notoriously difficult Western Conference, which is looking particularly stacked with talent this season.
—Matias Grez, CNN, 9 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for the little/small matter
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 29 Nov. 2024.
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