the little/small matter

noun

—used in an ironic way to refer to a difficult situation or problem

He wants to buy a new car, but first there's the little/small matter of getting enough money to pay for it.

Examples of the little/small matter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All that while rocking his half-bat-like features like sharp teeth and pointy ears — oh, there’s also the small matter of his need for human blood. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 July 2024

Then there’s the small matter of four-time NBA champion, four-time regular season MVP and four-time Finals MVP LeBron James, who finishes up media work before heading onto the court. —Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 28 July 2024

Then come the security briefings — including on protocols in case of nuclear attack — calls to world leaders, and finally the small matter of running the country. —NBC News, 5 July 2024

Meanwhile, there’s the small matter of how to sell the public on a movie with a twisty concept, potentially off-putting visuals, and headlined by a star whose box-office power had seen better days. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 29 Mar. 2024