fish in troubled waters
To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He likes to fish in troubled waters during office arguments.”
“The politician tried to fish in troubled waters by using the recent economic crisis to gain more votes.”
“The opportunistic investor sought to fish in troubled waters, hoping to acquire struggling companies at a fraction of their value during the market crash.”
- 01
big fish
An important person.
- 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.
- 03
bigger fish to fry
A much more pressing issue to attend to.
- 04
borrow trouble
To worry about future events not in one's control and that may not come to pass.
- 05
bridge over troubled waters
Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.
- 06
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.
- 07
cold fish
A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.
- 08
fish or cut bait
To make a decision, especially after a period of delay; to either take action now or forgo the opportunity.
Last updated August 10, 2026