a matter of

1) no more than (a specified period of time)

they were shown the door in a matter of minutes

2) a thing that involves or depends on

it's a matter of working out how to get something done

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a matter of

1

— used to refer to a small amount

It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes. [=it cooks in just a few minutes]

They quarreled over a matter of a mere couple of dollars.

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. [=learning to ride a bicycle requires practice]

His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. [=he succeeded because he was in the right place at the right time]

It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him. [=we will catch him eventually]

3

— used to explain the reason for something

She insists on honesty as a matter of principle. [=because she believes that honesty is morally right]

All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy. [=because our policy requires it; because we have decided that that is what we should always do]

4

— used to say that something is based on opinion, taste, etc.

“He's doing a terrible job.” “That's a matter of opinion.” [=that's not a definite fact; that's something that people have different opinions about]

Some people like seafood and some people don't. It's all just a matter of taste. [=it is something that is based on personal taste]

Her plans for the election are still a matter of conjecture. [=people are not sure about her plans for the election]

5

— used to say that something is important, interesting, etc.

The outcome of the trial is a matter of interest to many people. [=many people are interested in the outcome of the trial]

Resolving this problem quickly is a matter of (some) urgency/importance. [=it is urgent/important to resolve this problem quickly]

I'd like to know how much it costs, just as a matter of interest. [=because I am interested in knowing even though I do not need to know]

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Main Entry: ↑matter