An entirely different matter altogether; a separate issue or sub-issue from the topic being discussed, usu. one that would take too long to explain properly; a matter to be dealt with at a later time.

Etymology:

  • If one takes "ball of wax" to mean "a whole topic", then this implies it is a different one. Likely uses the shortened form of "another" ("'nother") instead of "other" to make it flow more smoothly.
44 Views

1. "Apples are genetically related to potatoes." "What about pineapples?" "That's a whole 'nother ball of wax."
2. "The clinical trial was a success!" "What about the control group?" "Oh, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax, since it got contaminated and I ended up being up to my eyes in mold."
3. "I've had it up to here with this thing! And don't even get me started on the cultural implications, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax!"
4. "What happened then?" "Well, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax. I'll tell you about it some other time."
5. "What about him?" "Him? Oh, he's a whole 'nother ball of wax. Got involved in a bunch of crazy stuff."

Submitted by Turtle on January 16, 2022

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