new ball game

a (whole) new ballgame

A situation that is completely different from what one is used to or expecting. Living away from home is a whole new ballgame for most young adults. I used to babysit, but having a child of my own is a new ballgame.
See also: ballgame, new
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(whole) new ball game

Fig. a completely different situation; something completely different. Now that you're here, it's a whole new ball game. With a faster computer, it's a whole new ball game.
See also: ball, game, new
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a (whole) new ballgame
  • a different/new ball game
  • a whole new ball game
  • ballgame
  • whole new ballgame, a
  • a totally different ballgame
  • house and home
  • right you are
  • right you are!
  • adulting
References in periodicals archive
"In conditions like that, it's more of a new ball game and the opposition can put pressure on you if they get going.
DAVID McGURN is relishing the prospect of a Scottish Cup double over Rangers - only he admits it's a whole new ball game with Match of the Day talent turning up.
NEW BALL GAME IT'S a different world to the wide open spaces of Cheltenham, but Triumph Hurdle sixth Redicean returns to action over an extended mile and five furlongs at Chester in the Trust Tech Handicap (3.30).
CHEETAHS boss Harold Verster has described South African participation in an expanded Guinness PRO14 tournament as "a whole new ball game" for rugby in the country.
IT would be fair to say that the Honda Civic was looking a little tired and jaded around the edges, but enter the all-new tenth generation model and it's a whole new ball game.
A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME IT'S still considered an unconventional interest in some circles, but gaming is now more popular than playing football, with 15% of respondents in a survey by AXA Insurance citing it as their main hobby, versus 13% for football, 8% for yoga and 6% for golf.
IT was a whole new ball game for Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho at Crystal Palace yesterday.
WASPS AT THE RICOH PAGES 2,3,4&5 AND SPORT H PAGES 2,3,4&5 AND SP IT'S a whole new ball game for Coventry's Ricoh Arena - as rugby posts adorn the pitch.
The Dutchman, though, will need all of his experience for what will be a completely new ball game, but following some decent summer additions, should be able to get the Red Devils firing again and turn Old Trafford back into a fortress as they chase down Champions League qualification.
"Obviously I have some kind of head start because I know how to perform and I know how to move in general, but the ballroom stuff is a totally new ball game," he explained.
Andrew Ely, Managing Director, Almondy commented: "The new regulations mean a major shake-up in how manufacturers provide allergen warnings, but it is a whole new ball game for the catering industry.
It was a whole new ball game for Andy, 26, after beating US rival Donald Young in straight sets in the first-round of the Davis Cup match.
He and the boys really like her and say that she's a sweet girl, but they also say that when she's had a drink it's a whole new ball game. She becomes a nightmare and can't control her drink at all.
It's a whole new ball game since the breakup, especially when your son has no memory of life without you and his birth mother has a new partner who he doesn't care for.
* NEW BALL GAME: Yorkshire players Richard Pyrah (left) and Gerard Brophy are backed by (from left) Jack Tordoff and John Tordoff, from sponsors, JCT600 and Richard Kaye from Yorkshire CCC (s),