Have bigger/other fish to fry

usgb
verb

To have more important things to do or more important topics to deal with.

I can't worry about that now, I have bigger fish to fry.
Visual representation of "have bigger/other fish to fry" - To have more important things to do or more important topics to deal with

Often appears as...

  • sorry
  • i have bigger fish to fry

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have bigger/other fish to fry"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Prioritizing Tasks

It suggests ranking tasks by importance and urgency, focusing on the most critical ones first.

Illustration for Prioritizing Tasks
The boss said to skip the meeting – we've got bigger fish to fry with the project deadline looming.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Casual Tone

Used in informal situations, not usually in formal writing or speeches unless adding a human touch.

Illustration for Casual Tone
No time to chat now, I've got other fish to fry!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Use

It's a metaphor; there's rarely actual fish involved. It speaks to tasks or issues metaphorically.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Can't join the game tonight, I have bigger fish to fry with my studies.
Visual representation of the word "Have bigger/other fish to fry"

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