a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brundle has been vocal about the presence of heavy vehicles on and around the track during Grand Prix events, a matter of concern that must be addressed by the sport and its governing body, the FIA.
—
Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
What beauty there was in it was a matter of distance, fairy lights twinkling on heavy, heaving water, not seeing the feeding frenzy beneath the surface.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
This doctrine shaped the post-war global economy, where deep financial and trade linkages were viewed not just as a matter of efficiency but as a safeguard for peace.
—Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
This is a matter of complementary craft; of two great listeners and communicators bringing rapture to every gesture.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
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Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
What beauty there was in it was a matter of distance, fairy lights twinkling on heavy, heaving water, not seeing the feeding frenzy beneath the surface.
—Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
This doctrine shaped the post-war global economy, where deep financial and trade linkages were viewed not just as a matter of efficiency but as a safeguard for peace.
—Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
This is a matter of complementary craft; of two great listeners and communicators bringing rapture to every gesture.
—Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.
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