fish for
phr. v..phr. v.. to try to get information or a compliment from someone without asking for it directly.
phr. v.. to seek information, praise, or attention through indirect means or subtle prompting; often used with abstract objects like 'compliments' or 'information'.
She is just fishing for a compliment on her new dress.
The journalist was fishing for details about the secret meeting, but the politician refused to talk.
By mentioning his recent charitable donations so casually, it became clear he was merely fishing for some form of public validation.
usually followed by a noun representing the thing the person wants to hear.
highlight the metaphorical link to actual fishing: you throw out a 'hook' (a comment) and wait for a 'bite' (the response).
He was fishing a compliment.He was fishing for a compliment.the preposition 'for' is essential to connect the action to the desired object.