Bigger fish to fry

Meaning

The idiom "bigger fish to fry" is a common phrase used to indicate that there are more important or pressing matters to attend to. It can also be used to dismiss someone's concerns as trivial or unimportant compared to other things happening. The phrase originated in the 19th century and has since become a widely used expression in modern language.

The literal meaning of "bigger fish to fry" is that there are more important things to do than what someone is currently preoccupied with. Figuratively, it means that one thing is less significant or valuable than something else, and that the person should focus on the more important matter.

Usage

• "I don't have time to deal with your petty grievances right now; I have bigger fish to fry."
• "Your issue seems minor compared to the bigger picture. Let's focus on the real problem at hand."
• "Don't worry about that small mistake, there are bigger fish to fry."
• "We need to think about the bigger picture and not get caught up in the details."
• "I understand your concern, but I have more pressing matters to attend to."

Roots and History

The idiom is believed to have originated in the 19th century, but it's unclear where or how it was first used. It may have been inspired by the idea of fishing for larger fish being more satisfying than catching smaller ones. Over time, the phrase has become a common expression used to dismiss someone's concerns as insignificant.

Synonyms in English

• "There are bigger things to do."
• "We have bigger problems to solve."
• "I have more important things to attend to."
• "There are greater concerns to address."
• "Let's focus on the bigger picture."

Synonyms in other languages

• French - Il y a plus grand chose à faire (There is something greater to do).
• Spanish - Hay más grandes cosas que hacer (There are greater things to do).
• Italian - Ci sono più grandi cose da fare (There are greater things to do).
• German - Es gibt größere Sachen zu tun (There are greater things to do).
• Chinese - 有更重大事情要做 (There are greater things to do).

Similar Idioms

• brownie points

• by dint of

• back door