IdiomFood & Drink
English
Englishhave bigger fish to fry
Meaning: To have more important things to deal with.
Example: “The mayor won't waste time on the parking dispute; she has bigger fish to fry.”
Origin: Older as "other fish to fry": John Evelyn's Memoirs (1660) has "I fear he has other fish to fry." When "other" became "bigger" is not known, but the cook in either version has more pressing business than the fish in front of him.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Avoir d'autres chats à fouetter Literally: To have other cats to whip
More English idioms
- tell tall tales To tell exaggerated or untrue stories.
- navel-gaze To be absorbed in oneself and one's own concerns to an excessive degree.
- that ship has sailed It is too late; the opportunity has passed.
- be a pain in the neck To be very annoying.
- muddy the waters To make a situation confusing, often on purpose.
- be bone idle To be extremely lazy.
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