small fries
People without influence
Small fries are people of little importance or influence—minor players rather than those with real power.
The phrase treats significance like portion size: Don't waste time on the small fries; we need to talk to the CEO.
Sometimes used as a singular: He's just a small fry in the organization.
Also spelled small fry.
Unimportant, unknown persons
- peonsMenial laborers with little status
- minnowsTiny freshwater fish
- lightweightsPeople of little influence
- nonentitiesUnimportant, forgettable people
pawns · foot soldiers · subordinates · rank and file · unknowns · bit players · cogs · second-stringers
nobodies
Unimportant, unknown persons
- peonsMenial laborers with little status
- minnowsTiny freshwater fish
- lightweightsPeople of little influence
nonentities · pawns · foot soldiers · subordinates · rank and file · unknowns · bit players · cogs · second-stringers · apprentices
small friesbig shots
Influential, powerful people
bigwigs · big fish · heavy hitters · big cheese · top dogs
small friesbig league
Highest professional level
giants · behemoths · major leagues · big time · heavyweights
small friesbig fish
Influential person or large swimmer
powerhouses · behemoths · juggernauts · major leagues · big-ticket items
small, smaller, smallest, smallish, smallness, fries, fried, frying, fryer