in the frying pan vs on the frying pan

Both "in the frying pan" and "on the frying pan" are commonly used phrases, but "In the frying pan" is used when something is inside the pan, like food being cooked, while "on the frying pan" is used when something is placed on top of the pan, like a lid or another object.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 07, 2025 • 5623 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something inside the frying pan, such as food being cooked.

"in the frying pan"

Use "in the frying pan" when describing something that is located inside the frying pan, like ingredients being cooked.

Examples:

The eggs are sizzling in the frying pan.
I can see the vegetables cooking in the frying pan.
There's a delicious aroma coming from the food in the frying pan.

Show examples from the web [+]

My father wants to put him in the frying pan, but I don't allow him.
Mariois afraidthat his dad will take Maciste from him and cook him in the frying pan.
I will put rather my father in the frying pan!
ALL: He washed his face in the frying pan

Alternatives:

in the pan
cooking in the frying pan
frying in the pan
sizzling in the pan
simmering in the frying pan

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to something placed on top of the frying pan, such as a lid or another object.

"on the frying pan"

Use "on the frying pan" when describing something that is positioned on top of the frying pan, like a lid or cover.

Examples:

Please put the lid on the frying pan.
There's a cookbook resting on the frying pan.
He left his keys on the frying pan.

Show examples from the web [+]

The residue on the frying pan was an agricultural product, used to anesthetize herds of animals.
He's on the back of the frying pan too.
You found her outside The Frying Pan.
There goes the frying pan theory.
He sure went from the frying pan to the fire.
There's plump rabbits waiting for the frying pan.
It's like out of the frying pan and into the volcano.
I station meself besides The Frying Pan, sir.
Polly Nichols is seen leaving The Frying Pan at the corner of Brick Lane and Thrawl Street.
Safe to say this is when the mission went from the frying pan into the fire.
So out of the frying pan, into the firehouse.
I'll need to scrub the frying pan again.
My father wants to put him in the frying pan, but I don't allow him.
Mariois afraidthat his dad will take Maciste from him and cook him in the frying pan.
Racing headlong from the frying pan into the fire.
I'm glad she got out of the frying pan before I wasted that much time on her.
But out of the frying pan and into the fire.
I'll gladly FedEx your worthless carcass... back to the frying pan, where Malebolgia will be waiting for both of us.
And the little friend of Nunheim's, the frying-pan juggler, there.
The frying pan's calling the kettle black!

Alternatives:

on top of the pan
covering the frying pan
resting on the pan
placed on the frying pan
sitting on the pan

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

in the frying pan vs on the frying pan

"in the frying pan"

"on the frying pan"

Related Comparisons