Fish for
verb
To attempt to get something you want indirectly by hinting or suggesting, rather than asking directly.
She kept talking about her love for expensive jewelry, clearly fishing for a gift.
Often appears as...
- fish for compliments
- fish for information
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To catch fish from a body of water.
Every summer, we go to the lake to fish for trout.
Often appears as...
- fish for trout
- fish for salmon
verb
To attempt to get something you want indirectly by hinting or suggesting, rather than asking directly.
She kept talking about her love for expensive jewelry, clearly fishing for a gift.
Often appears as...
- fish for compliments
- fish for information
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To catch fish from a body of water.
Every summer, we go to the lake to fish for trout.
Often appears as...
- fish for trout
- fish for salmon
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Indirect Suggestion
Used when someone hints for something rather than asking outright, showing subtlety in communication.
He kept raving about his broken watch, fishing for someone to fix it.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Flattery
Often involves giving compliments in the hope of receiving one in return; can imply insecurity.
She said she admired my artwork, clearly fishing for a compliment on hers.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Cues
Understanding when someone is 'fishing for' something requires picking up on social cues or hints.
He mentioned his expertise in Spanish, fishing for an invitation to the bilingual conference.
Pro Tip 1/3Indirect Suggestion
Used when someone hints for something rather than asking outright, showing subtlety in communication.
He kept raving about his broken watch, fishing for someone to fix it.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Flattery
Often involves giving compliments in the hope of receiving one in return; can imply insecurity.
She said she admired my artwork, clearly fishing for a compliment on hers.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Cues
Understanding when someone is 'fishing for' something requires picking up on social cues or hints.
He mentioned his expertise in Spanish, fishing for an invitation to the bilingual conference.
Pro Tip 1/3Indirect Suggestion
Used when someone hints for something rather than asking outright, showing subtlety in communication.
He kept raving about his broken watch, fishing for someone to fix it.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Flattery
Often involves giving compliments in the hope of receiving one in return; can imply insecurity.
She said she admired my artwork, clearly fishing for a compliment on hers.
Pro Tip 3/3Social Cues
Understanding when someone is 'fishing for' something requires picking up on social cues or hints.
He mentioned his expertise in Spanish, fishing for an invitation to the bilingual conference.
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