Bigger fish to fry: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Bigger fish to fry” mean?

"Bigger fish to fry" means that there are more important or pressing matters to attend to.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I can't worry about that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.

Example

Sorry, I can't help you with that. I have bigger fish to fry.

Example

Let's focus on the main issue at hand. We have bigger fish to fry

Is “Bigger fish to fry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Bigger fish to fry” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Bigger fish to fry” effectively in context?

You can use "Bigger fish to fry" to convey that you have more important or pressing matters to attend to, and therefore cannot focus on or prioritize a particular task or issue. For example, if someone asks for your help with a small problem, you might say, 'I can't worry about that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.'

• 1. Time Management

  Sorry, I can't help you with that. I have bigger fish to fry.

• 2. Prioritization

  Let's focus on the main issue at hand. We have bigger fish to fry.

• 3. Responsibilities

  I can't worry about that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.

Similar phrases to “Bigger fish to fry”:

Higher priorities

More important tasks or issues that require attention

Example

Sorry, I can't help you with that. I have higher priorities.

More pressing matters

More urgent or critical issues that need to be addressed

Example

Let's focus on the main issue at hand. We have more pressing matters.

Bigger problems to solve

More significant or complex problems that require attention

Example

I can't worry about that right now, I have bigger problems to solve.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Bigger fish to fry” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Bigger fish to fry" is unknown.

Is “Bigger fish to fry” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Bigger fish to fry" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express that they have more important or pressing matters to attend to, and therefore cannot focus on or prioritize a particular task or issue.

What tone does “Bigger fish to fry” have?

"Bigger fish to fry" conveys a tone of dismissal or prioritization. It suggests that the speaker has more important things to deal with and implies that the current matter is not worth their attention or effort.

Can “Bigger fish to fry” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Bigger fish to fry" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of having more important or pressing matters to attend to. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, presentations, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I can't worry about that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Sorry, "bigger fish to fry".' to imply that there are more important matters to attend to.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• more important fish to fry
• greater concerns
• weightier matters
• more crucial tasks

Antonyms

• small fish to fry
• minor concerns
• trivial matters
• insignificant tasks