Some big shots know how to escape the law even after they violate it. It is, however, the ___________ who are more often apprehended and punished.

The blank needs an idiom referring to people of little importance or influence who are easily caught.

Option 1 -> small fry -> refers to unimportant people who lack power or influence, making them easy targets for law enforcement. This is the most commonly used idiom in this context.

Option 2 -> small fish -> while this is also a valid idiom with similar meaning, "small fry" is the more established and preferred expression when contrasting with "big shots."

Option 3 -> tiny shots -> not a recognized idiom; creates an awkward parallel with "big shots."

Option 4 -> tiny fish -> not a standard idiom and sounds unnatural in this context.

Example: When discussing workplace hierarchies, the CEO and executives are the big shots, while the small fry are the entry-level employees and interns who have little influence over company decisions. These small fry often bear the brunt of corporate mistakes even though they had no power to prevent them.