The phrase "Bigger Fish to Fry" is sometimes found as "other fish to fry" or "more important fish to fry", but the meaning for all these variations is the same - one has other, more important or more interesting, things to do.

The origin of the saying "Bigger Fish to Fry" is unknown, but it dates back to the early 17th century and has similar phrases in other languages, such as the French which translates to "other dogs to whip". In 1612, the first English translation of the Spanish novel, Don Quixote, contained the following language when Sancho objects to being lashed: "this is no Time for me to mind Niceties, and spelling of Letters: I have other Fish to fry."

Use Example - I can't spend anymore time listening to Joan's problems right now, I have bigger fish to fry.

Source Tags : Books  Don Quixote     Concept Tags : Animal