a matter of

idiom

—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.

—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.

—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 Arguments about fertility rates are often made in abstract economic terms, and for good reason: the abstraction is necessary to gloss over the topic’s natural awkwardness in a society where a woman’s reproductive future is generally considered a matter of personal freedom. —

Emma Green, The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 There are things in life that are not a matter of opinion. —

James Lange, Forbes, 23 Sep. 2024 However, the restart of the 837-MW Unit 1 reactor won't be simply a matter of throwing a large and cinematic knife switch. —

David Szondy, New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2024 Learning how to measure bra size correctly is not just a matter of function. —

Charlotte Owen, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for a matter of

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'a matter of.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.