Example: Ese problema es harina de otro costal, no te preocupes.
Definition
"Ser harina de otro costal" is a Spanish idiomatic expression meaning that something is a completely different matter or issue, unrelated to the current topic. It is used to indicate that a problem or situation belongs to a separate category and should be treated independently.
Translations
to be a different matter
een heel andere zaak zijn
ser una altra història
être une autre affaire
eine andere Sache sein
Etymology
The phrase "ser harina de otro costal" literally translates to 'to be flour from another sack.' It originates from old times when flour was stored in sacks, and flour from a different sack was considered distinct in quality or type. This metaphor evolved to signify that something is different or unrelated. Did you know? The expression humorously compares issues to different sacks of flour, emphasizing their separation.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Ser harina de otro costal" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C2) - parte 1", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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to be a different matter