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REFERENCE

fish in troubled waters

idiom
Meaning

To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.


Examples
SIMPLE

He likes to fish in troubled waters during office arguments.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician tried to fish in troubled waters by using the recent economic crisis to gain more votes.

COMPLEX

The opportunistic investor sought to fish in troubled waters, hoping to acquire struggling companies at a fraction of their value during the market crash.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big fish

    An important person.

  2. 02

    big fish in a small pond

    One who has achieved a high rank or is highly esteemed, but only in a small, relatively unimportant, or little known location or organization.

  3. 03

    bigger fish to fry

    A much more pressing issue to attend to.

  4. 04

    bridge over troubled waters

    Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.

  5. 05

    cast one's bread upon the waters

    To perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.

  6. 06

    cold fish

    A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.

  7. 07

    fish or cut bait

    To make a decision, especially after a period of delay; to either take action now or forgo the opportunity.

  8. 08

    fish out

    To search for by rummaging, and then extract (an item from e.g. a container); to obtain.

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