Have Bigger Fish to Fry | Definition, Origin & Useful Examples

Have bigger fish to fry! Have you ever heard about this interesting idiom? The following lesson introduces the definition, origin, useful example sentences and different ways to say in English.

Have Bigger Fish to Fry

Have Bigger Fish to Fry Meaning

The common idiom ā€œhave bigger fish to fryā€ means to have more important things or more interesting things to do or give your attention to.

Origin

The expression is attested from the year 1660 in the work titledĀ MemoirsĀ written by John Evelyn.

Example Sentences

  • He’s not interested in reviewing small provincial exhibitions like this one; he’s got muchĀ bigger fish to fry.
  • Considering the risks of telomere – extension therapy, he thinks that scientists haveĀ bigger fish to fry.
  • It’sĀ reallyĀ notĀ worthĀ myĀ time.Ā I’veĀ gotĀ biggerĀ fishĀ toĀ fry!
  • IĀ wantĀ TomĀ toĀ helpĀ meĀ withĀ thisĀ project,Ā butĀ heĀ claimsĀ heĀ hasĀ biggerĀ fishĀ toĀ fryĀ rightĀ now.
  • SoĀ youĀ aren’tĀ comingĀ outĀ withĀ usĀ tonight?Ā IĀ supposeĀ you’veĀ gotĀ otherĀ fishĀ toĀ fry.
  • I can’tĀ spendĀ a lot of time onĀ the problem. I have bigger fish to fry.
  • I can’t deal with this now – I’ve got biggerĀ fishĀ toĀ fry.

Other Ways To Say

  • I’ve got better things to do
  • Best thing you can do
  • I already made plans
  • More important things to do
  • I already have some prior commitments
  • Other matters to attend to
  • I’ve got bigger problems
  • Top priority to do
  • Bigger issues to do
  • Better places to be

Have Bigger Fish to Fry | Infographic

Have Bigger Fish to Fry

Have Bigger Fish to Fry | Definition, Origin & Useful Examples 1

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