What does “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” mean?
"Have Bigger Fish to Fry" means to have more important or pressing matters to attend to.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
I can't help you with that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.
I can't help you with that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.
Example
Sorry, I won't be able to make it to the meeting. I have bigger fish to fry.
Sorry, I won't be able to make it to the meeting. I have bigger fish to fry.
Example
I'll get to that task later, but right now I have bigger fish to fry
I'll get to that task later, but right now I have bigger fish to fry
Is “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Have 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 “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” effectively in context?
You can use "Have Bigger Fish to Fry" to express that you have more important or pressing matters to attend to, emphasizing that the current situation or task is not a priority. For example, if someone asks for your help with a small task, but you are busy with a more important project, you might say, 'I can't help you with that right now, I have bigger fish to fry.'
- 1Work
Sorry, I won't be able to make it to the meeting. I have bigger fish to fry.
Sorry, I won't be able to make it to the meeting. I have bigger fish to fry.
- 2Time Management
I'll get to that task later, but right now I have bigger fish to fry.
I'll get to that task later, but right now I have bigger fish to fry.
- 3Prioritization
I can't attend the party tonight, I have bigger fish to fry.
I can't attend the party tonight, I have bigger fish to fry.
Similar phrases to “Have Bigger Fish to Fry”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Have Bigger Fish to Fry" is unknown.
Is “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Have Bigger Fish to Fry" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey that they have more important or pressing matters to attend to.
What tone does “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” have?
"Have Bigger Fish to Fry" conveys a tone of prioritization and importance. It suggests that there are more significant tasks or responsibilities that require attention.
Can “Have Bigger Fish to Fry” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Have 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 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 help you with 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, I have bigger fish to fry.' to imply that they have more important matters to attend to.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- have more pressing matters
- have more important things to do
- have higher priorities
- have more significant tasks
Antonyms
- have nothing better to do
- have all the time in the world
- have no important tasks
- have no pressing matters
