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small fry

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small fry

 

1. Lit. newly hatched fish; small, juvenile fish. The catch was bad today. Nothing but small fry.

2. Fig. unimportant people. The police have only caught the small fry. The leader of the gang is still free. You people are just small fry! I want to talk to the boss.

3. Fig. children. Peter's taking the small fry to the zoo. We should take the small fry to the pantomime.

See also: fry, small

small fry

  (informal)

1. people, organizations, or activities that are not large or important The small fry are soon going to be pushed out of business by all these multinationals. This investigation is small fry for a police force used to massive inquiries.

2. (American humorous) very young children These computer games will really intrigue the small fry in your house - kids love them.

See also: fry, small

small fry

1. Young children, as in This show is not suitable for small fry.

2. Persons of little importance or influence, as in She wasn't about to invite the Washington small fry to the reception. Both usages allude to fry in the sense of "young or small fish." [Late 1800s]

See also: fry, small

small fry

1. n. anything or anyone small or unimportant. (Fry are juvenile fish.) Don’t worry about the small fry. You have to please the fat-cats.

2. n. small children. The small fries have eaten and are getting ready for bed.

See also: fry, small