The idiom "other fish to fry" means that someone has more important or pressing matters to attend to. The word "other" is pronounced as /ˈʌðər/ and means different or distinct from what has been mentioned before. "Fish" is pronounced as /fɪʃ/ and refers to aquatic animals. "To fry" is pronounced as /tuː fraɪ/ and means to cook in hot oil or fat. Therefore, the phrase "other fish to fry" is spelled according to the English language's standard pronunciation and spelling conventions.
The phrase "other fish to fry" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal language to describe when someone has more important or pressing matters to attend to, and they are not interested in or willing to give attention to a particular situation or task. The phrase originates from the world of cooking and fish frying, but has taken on a more metaphorical meaning over time.
In a literal sense, it refers to a cook who has already started frying one fish but realizes they have other fish waiting to be cooked. They are faced with the dilemma of either finishing frying the first fish or attending to the other fish that need their attention. Therefore, they choose to prioritize the other fish and leave the initial task behind.
In its figurative sense, "other fish to fry" implies that an individual has more significant or worthwhile things to do than engaging in a particular activity or dealing with a specific issue. It often suggests that someone is not interested, doesn't have time, or doesn't consider the matter at hand important enough to invest their energy and attention in it. They may dismiss or decline involvement because they have more valuable or pressing concerns and responsibilities.
Overall, the phrase "other fish to fry" conveys a sentiment of prioritization and the notion that one has more important things to attend to than what is currently being proposed or discussed.