# one thing or another

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/one-thing-or-another
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Various different events, tasks, duties, or contributing elements.

## Examples

- I am busy with one thing or another all day.
- She missed the meeting because she was distracted by one thing or another at the office.
- Between the constant interruptions and the need to manage one thing or another, the manager found it impossible to focus on the long-term project.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.