Phrasal verb
fish out
Definition
phrasal verb. to pull something out of a bag, pocket, or liquid, usually after searching for it. You use this when you find something small among many other things.
phrasal verb. To extract an object from a container, pocket, or liquid, typically involving a degree of searching or difficulty. Transitive; often implies the object was obscured or submerged.
Examples
“She fished out her keys from the bottom of her bag.”
“After searching for several minutes, he finally fished out the lost ring from the soapy dishwater.”
“The investigator reached into the murky depths of the evidence locker and fished out a dusty, unlabeled cassette tape.”
Examples
simple
“She fished out her keys from the bottom of her bag.”
contextual
“After searching for several minutes, he finally fished out the lost ring from the soapy dishwater.”
complex
“The investigator reached into the murky depths of the evidence locker and fished out a dusty, unlabeled cassette tape.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and allows the object to be placed either after the particle or between the verb and the particle.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'pull out'; 'fish out' implies a search or that the item was hidden among others.
Pitfall
He fished his keys from the bag.
He fished out his keys from the bag.
The particle 'out' is required to complete the phrasal verb's specific meaning of extraction after searching.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
fish + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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