Dead Fish and Other Fishy Metaphors

Fish metaphors are part of the language.  We use them every day, mostly because they work so well. Note few of them are current, as fishing activity has declined. Here is your starter list. Your goal? To use a fish metaphor each day, though others may call the fishy.  Most of these you know. Most are fun and easy, like "shooting fish in a barrel."

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·        He is just a small “fry,” nothing to worry about. Here “fry” refers to newly hatched fish eggs, tiny things hardly worth a mention.

·        She has bigger “fish” to fry. Here “fish” refers to a normally small object.

·        Don’t tangle with that “shark.” Here “shark” refers to a dangerous, ruthless opponent.

·        Jump the “shark.”  Reach a point at which far-fetched events are included merely for the sake of novelty, indicative of a decline in quality.

·        By any other name, he is a “killer whale.” Big and terrible.

·        That’s a “whale” of a problem. As in big! A problem not easily solved.

·        A “whale” of an appetite.

·        He is just like a “beached whale.” An important person is reduced to insignificance and impotence.

·        She has “tentacles” everywhere. Referring to a broad base of interests, in a pejorative sense.

·        Bill is merely a “big fish” in a little pond.

·        He is merely a “minnow” swimming in a world of predators.

·        “Cast your nets” on the other side. To look elsewhere for your fortune – or salvation.

·        “Your honor, the defense attorney is just ’fishing’.” To seek a variety of possible solutions, effects, evidence, or results.

·        The “little ones” I throw back. Refers to a problem or person (e.g. fish) too small to consider seriously.

·        Caught my “limit.” Refers to success in accumulating or consuming objects of interest. As my dad used to say, “My sufficiency is sophonsified.”

·        That gang acts like a school of “piranhas.” They will eat you alive, perhaps economically.

·        He swims with the “fishes.” Forcibly drowned in deep water.

·        “Like fish, guests smell after three days.” Attributed to Benjamin Franklin.

·        That smells “fishy.” Indicates something seems wrong (as in smells) with the evidence.

·        The mark was “hooked.” Meaning we’ve got him committed. Similar to “on the hook.”

·        “Reel” him in. Bring the mark to the table.

·        A “dead fish.” Referring to an unresponsive sexual partner.