matter of fact

matter of fact

1. noun Something that is true and factual. My attendance in this class is a matter of fact! You can check the sign-in sheets—I was here every week! The deficit is a matter of fact, not opinion. The numbers don't lie.
2. adjective Straightforward in communication. Usually hyphenated. It's better to be matter-of-fact when you fire someone, rather than trying to dance around the subject. The instructions should be matter-of-fact, but instead the manual is written with overly descriptive language.
3. adjective Nonchalant or not expressing excitement. Usually hyphenated. I don't know how you can be so matter-of-fact about winning that award—it's a great honor!
See also: fact, matter, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

matter of fact, a

Something that is literally or factually true, as in The records showed it to be a matter of fact that they were married in 1960. This idiom often occurs in the phrase as a matter of fact, as in As a matter of fact, you are absolutely right. Matter of fact was first recorded in 1581, and originally was a legal term distinguishing the facts of a case from the law, called matter of law, applying to it. It began to be applied to other concerns in the late 1600s.
See also: matter, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • matter of fact, a
  • high
  • high, wide, and handsome
  • wear (one's) apron high
  • bummer
  • swank
  • angle
  • angling
  • mickey mouse
  • rear end
References in periodicals archive
As a matter of fact, the Boston Tea Party could just have easily been the Boston Beer Party.
Memo of the Month
As a matter of fact, the court stated that the Service's charge of inurement in this type of case threatened to upset charities in general.
A fundraiser is not an insider
As a matter of fact, they fear past programs and laws have kept many waterways too wood-free.
Thumbs up for streams' high-fiber diet
The first electronic titles, A Matter of Fact and National Directory of Helplines, both produced by Pierian Press, were also announced as available for OpenShelf.
KPI unveils OpenShelf interface application
As a matter of fact, we are convinced good safety programs will contribute to improved productivity and product quality.
Foundry accident rates still high
As a matter of fact, the company even commissioned some of the Laliberte pieces it owns.
A contemporary frame of mind
As a matter of fact, I went through the scheduling and instruction phase at Mustard twice, because my first appointment had to be canceled.
Adventures in qualityland
As a matter of fact, it is the fourth consecutive year that we have held the OCA conference at this same hotel.
An invitation to Kumbayah 1994
"As a matter of fact," he says, "defective knowledge of the liquid level was one of the major contributors to [the accident at] Three Mile Island."
An electromagnetic measuring stick
'With regard regard the validity of the franchise, just in terms of matter of fact, no quo warranto proceeding has been filed against the franchise of Mislatel.
OSG: Quo warranto 'appropriate remedy' for Mislatel franchise
As a matter of fact tribal people are the soldiers with out getting pay and privilege, he added.
People of Fata to knock on SC door if drone attacks not stopped: Chairman MQP
There are component NSNs; four of them as a matter of fact. Here are all the NSNs you'll need to get a good night's sleep:
It's not all or nothing
As a matter of fact, Elphame has never experienced anything magical except her hybrid looks.
Elphame's Choice
Even more maddening, though, are the "polls" that ask us to opine on some current matter of fact or future event, like whether Osama bin Laden is alive or war will break out before February.
Citizen curmudgeon. (Flip Side)
As a matter of fact, I'd like to make a public challenge to 04.
BITCHIN'