Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Navid]

First of all I want to thank all the people who teach me here,

Would you please tell me what do you mean by the following idioms:

1- a fish out of water?
2- to have a bigger/other fish to fry?
Are they common in English or not?
Please explain them by examples.

Thanks in advance,
Navid

[LucentShade]

Navid--

To be "a fish out of water" is to be in a situation that is uncomfortable or confusing. (This is similar to the expression, "to be out of (one's) element" that we saw on this board a few weeks ago.) For instance, if I went to Iran, I would probably feel like a fish out of water because I don't know the language and the culture is very different from mine. In real life, an actual fish out of water is in great danger, because fish die if they are out of water for very long. However, the expression "a fish out of water." when applied to people, usually does not mean that their life is in danger.


To have "bigger fish to fry" means that somebody has two problems, and is making a choice to leave one alone in order to deal with the other. An example: "The policeman was going to give me a ticket for speeding, but when he heard about the robbery on his radio, he left me alone because he had bigger fish to fry." In this case, the policeman ignores a minor problem (me driving too fast) because he feels that the other problem is more important.

[Navid]

Hello LucentShade,

You explained it very very good.

Thank alot
Navid

[Henmi]

Hello Navid

When I have problems in English and have no chances to ask someone
nearby, I write it on this site. I always get answers.
It also makes our English improve to explain in English what I am confused or can not understand.

The phrases you wrote are very interesting for me.
Of course I understand them, thanks to LucentShade.

"LucentShade" what a strange name. I know this is nickname for website.

[Navid]

Hello Henmi,

Thanks.

I'm ready to make freind with you. We can improve our English.

Maybe establishing a new weblog!!!!!

Have a good time
Navid