have other fish to fry: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘have other fish to fry’ mean?
The idiom "have other fish to fry" means to have other more important or interesting things to do or be concerned with.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kettle of fish" refers to a difficult or messy situation. It implies a situation that is full of complications, problems, or confusion.
The idiom "irons in the fire" means having multiple projects or tasks in progress or pursuing multiple opportunities at the same time. It suggests being busy with various things and being proactive in pursuing new prospects or ventures.
One common idiom in the English language is "irons in the fire." This idiom has several different meanings, but all revolve around the idea of being involved in multiple activities or projects simultaneously.
The idiom "have other ideas" means to disagree or have a different plan or opinion than what has been suggested or expected.
The idiom "have one's hands full" means to be very busy or have a lot of work or responsibilities to deal with.
The idiom "have one's hands full" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to indicate that someone is very busy or has a lot to deal with. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the late 16th century, but the exact source is unknown.
To "have one's fingers in many pies" means to be involved in multiple activities or projects simultaneously.
The idiom "have one's ducks in a row" means to be well-prepared and organized, with everything in its proper place or order.
The idiom "have one's ducks in a row" is a popular phrase in American English that is often used to describe someone who is well-prepared, organized, and has everything in order.
The idiom "have eyes bigger than one's stomach" means to take or desire more than one can actually consume or handle.
The idiom "have eyes bigger than one's stomach" is used to describe someone who takes more food than they can actually eat. It suggests that a person's desire for more exceeds their actual capacity or need. This idiom dates back to the mid-17th century and is still commonly used today.
The idiom "have done with" means to finish or complete something and have no further involvement or connection with it.
The idiom "have another think coming" is a phrase commonly used in the United States. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century and has since become well-known and widely used.
Delectable Diversions
The idiom "fish to fry" is a well-known English expression that is used to describe someone who has more important matters to attend to, rather than being available or interested in the current situation or topic at hand. It suggests that the person has different priorities or concerns that require their attention. This idiom, like many others, can be traced back to its literal meaning in a specific industry - in this case, the fishing industry.
The idiom "have other fish to fry" is an extension of the original phrase "fish to fry." While "fish to fry" refers to having tasks or responsibilities to attend to, "have other fish to fry" takes it a step further by suggesting that the person has even more pressing matters at hand. The addition of "other" implies that there are multiple tasks or responsibilities that require attention, and the person cannot afford to dedicate time or energy to the current situation.
Imagine a fisherman who is cooking a meal of fried fish. If he has "fish to fry," it means that he has fish that he needs to cook and attend to. In this context, the fish represents tasks, responsibilities, or pursuits, and frying them symbolizes engagement or attention. When someone says they "have other fish to fry," it means that they have additional tasks or responsibilities that they need to attend to, and therefore cannot divert their attention to the current situation or topic.
This idiom can be related to the expression "bigger fish to fry." While "have other fish to fry" implies that there are other tasks or responsibilities that require attention, "bigger fish to fry" suggests that the person has even more significant matters to attend to. The addition of "bigger" emphasizes that the person's priorities lie elsewhere and that the current situation is relatively insignificant in comparison.
In a similar vein, the idiom "have one's hands full" shares similarities with "have other fish to fry." "Have one's hands full" indicates that someone is already occupied or busy with various tasks or responsibilities and cannot take on anything else. It signifies that the person is fully engaged and cannot commit to additional matters, just as someone who has "other fish to fry" cannot devote their time and attention to the current situation or topic.
The phrase "have other ideas" can also be related to "have other fish to fry." "Have other ideas" suggests that someone has different opinions, plans, or intentions than what is currently being presented or discussed. It implies that the person has alternate perspectives or options and is not necessarily interested or aligned with the current proposal or situation. Similarly, when someone says they "have other fish to fry," it means they have different priorities or concerns that take precedence over the current matter at hand.
Lastly, the phrase "gone fishing" can also be connected to "have other fish to fry." "Gone fishing" is a colloquial expression used to indicate that someone is taking a break or a leisurely day off. It implies that the person is temporarily unavailable or not focused on work or responsibilities. While "gone fishing" may not directly align with the idea of having other tasks or responsibilities, it shares the notion of being preoccupied or engaged elsewhere, similar to what "have other fish to fry" conveys.
The idiom "have other fish to fry" is widely understood and used in everyday conversation. It signifies that someone has more important or pressing matters to attend to, rather than being available or interested in the current situation. This phrase has its origins in the fishing industry, drawing upon the literal act of frying fish. The addition of "other" emphasizes that there are multiple tasks or responsibilities that require attention. This idiom can be related to other expressions such as "bigger fish to fry," "have one's hands full," "have other ideas," and "gone fishing." These related idioms share similarities in conveying the idea of having different priorities or concerns that take precedence over the current situation.
Example usage
Examples:
1. I can't attend the party tonight, I have other fish to fry.
2. Sorry, but I can't help you move this weekend, I have other fish to fry.
3. I can't take on any additional work at the moment, I already have enough fish to fry.
More "Activities" idioms
