something else entirely

something else entirely

A completely different situation or set of circumstances. Used to emphasize that the reality of something is more extreme than some other, more acceptable condition or situation. Taking a day or two off to deal with the situation is one thing, but being gone from work for nearly a month is something else entirely. I'm beyond disappointed—I'm completely dumbfounded! I mean, being caught drinking a couple beers or smoking a little pot is pretty on par for a kid your age, but dealing hardcore drugs out of your locker is something else entirely.
See also: else, something
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • something else again
  • any fool can/could...
  • any fool could (do something)
  • no fox given
  • AIIC
  • (and) not before time!
  • as it were
  • thin dime
  • a (damn) sight more (something)
  • a sight more
References in periodicals archive
Raising money from family and friends (in the amount of $1.25 million since inception) is one thing, but convincing angel investors of the opportunity is something else entirely. "We're on the cusp of a great opportunity here," says Cort, "but because no one else is doing it, we've had a hard time finding investors."
Content with a kick: Tony Cort combines marketing experience with a black belt to start an online martial arts channel
Their mutual self-giving and one-flesh union continues on the bio-molecular level as sperm and oocyte join and become something else entirely, namely a child.
Why is marriage precious?
These sources were so beautiful, and Jim had clearly moved on in his work to something else entirely. He started to move out of the grid organization, and the images lost their period feel.
Sign language
But it's something else entirely. Anyway, I don't want to judge others who work.
Collective affinity