matter of fact, a
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.
- matter of fact
- high
- high, wide, and handsome
- wear (one's) apron high
- bummer
- swank
- angle
- angling
- mickey mouse
- rear end