# fish for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fish-for
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to try to get information or a compliment from someone without asking for it directly.

For teachers: to seek information, praise, or attention through indirect means or subtle prompting; often used with abstract objects like 'compliments' or 'information'.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was fishing a compliment." but "He was fishing for a compliment." — the preposition 'for' is essential to connect the action to the desired object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing the thing the person wants to hear.
- Teaching tip: highlight the metaphorical link to actual fishing: you throw out a 'hook' (a comment) and wait for a 'bite' (the response).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.