small fry: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘small fry’ mean?
The idiom "small fry" refers to someone or something of little importance or significance. It can also be used to describe young children or small details that are not worth much attention.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "teeny weeny" means something extremely small or tiny.
Teeny weeny is an idiom that describes something as extremely small or insignificant. It originated in the 19th century and is now a popular expression in English. The exact etymology of the idiom is uncertain, but there are some facts that shed light on its meaning and usage.
The idiom "teensy weensy" is used to describe something that is very small in size or quantity.
The idiom "take lightly" means to not take something seriously or to underestimate its importance or impact.
"Small talk" is an idiom that refers to casual conversation or chit-chat about unimportant or trivial matters, often used to break the ice or fill awkward silences.
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "price of eggs" refers to an insignificant or unimportant matter that is not worth worrying about or discussing in great detail.
The idiom "price of eggs" is used to emphasize the insignificance or unimportance of something. It is often used in a dismissive or sarcastic manner to downplay the value or relevance of a particular thing or situation. The idiom is primarily used in informal contexts and is not commonly used in formal or professional settings.
The idiom "not much of anything" means a lack of substance, value, or importance. It implies that there is very little or almost nothing in terms of quantity, quality, or significance.
The idiom "Mickey Mouse" is used to describe something that is trivial, insignificant, or lacking seriousness or quality.
The idiom "little pitcher" refers to a young child who unintentionally overhears or understands more than they are meant to. It highlights the innocence and naivety of children, who are often underestimated by adults.
Decoding the Miniature Combatants
The idiomatic expression "small potatoes" is closely related to the idiom "small fry." "Small potatoes" is used to describe something or someone that is unimportant or insignificant. This expression refers to the idea that potatoes, especially smaller ones, are not as valuable or significant as larger ones. In a similar vein, "small fry" can also be used to characterize individuals or things that are considered unimportant or insignificant in comparison to others.
Similarly, the idiom "small change" is related to "small fry" as they both convey the concept of insignificance or unimportance. "Small change" refers to a small amount of money, often coins, that is not considered valuable or significant. This idiom can be used metaphorically to describe something or someone that is not significant or influential. In the same way, "small fry" can be used to convey the idea that an individual or thing is of minor or negligible importance.
The idiom "fish to fry" is also related to the expression "small fry." "Fish to fry" refers to having more pressing or important matters to attend to. It implies that there are more significant tasks or issues to deal with, and therefore, the current matter being discussed or addressed is not a priority. This idiom can be seen as an extension of the concept of "small fry," as it emphasizes the relative unimportance or insignificance of the matter at hand.
Lastly, the idiom "chump change" is another idiom that shares a similar connotation with "small fry." "Chump change" refers to a small amount of money that is not considered significant or valuable. It implies that the amount in question is trivial or inconsequential. Similarly, "small fry" conveys the idea of insignificance or unimportance, whether it is in reference to children or individuals who are considered insignificant in comparison to others.
The idiomatic expression "small fry" can be used to describe individuals or things that are perceived as unimportant or insignificant. It shares similarities with other idioms such as "small potatoes," "small change," "fish to fry," and "chump change" which all convey the concept of insignificance or unimportance in different contexts and scenarios. These idioms reflect the human tendency to assign value and importance to various aspects of life, whether it be in relation to money, tasks, or individuals.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "small fry" can be used in a sentence include:
1. He didn't pay much attention to the small fry in the office, focusing instead on the larger projects.
2. The team's star player was out injured, so they had to rely on the small fry to step up and perform.
3. The CEO didn't have time for small fry like me, I had to go through several layers of management just to get a meeting with him.
More "Colloquial" idioms
