fish for
phrasal verb
fished for; fishing for; fishes for
: to ask for or try to get (something, such as praise or attention) in an indirect way
I think he offers apologies for his cooking as a way of fishing for compliments.
fishing for answers
Examples of fish for in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
An effort is underway in California to expand opportunities for hunting and fishing for youth with life-threatening illnesses or who have lost a parent in service to the state or country.
—
Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
If someone fishes for attention, offer praise while naming your need for equal give and take, because harmony grows when kindness and clarity share space.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
From the bridge of their charter boat High Class Hooker, Susanna Pope and her husband can look out at the sparkling 65-degree saltwater off Key West, Florida, and envision customers fishing for marlin, wahoo and mahi mahi.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Spend your time here climbing or hiking in the Teton Range, fishing for trout, and cruising around the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.
—Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
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Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
If someone fishes for attention, offer praise while naming your need for equal give and take, because harmony grows when kindness and clarity share space.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026
From the bridge of their charter boat High Class Hooker, Susanna Pope and her husband can look out at the sparkling 65-degree saltwater off Key West, Florida, and envision customers fishing for marlin, wahoo and mahi mahi.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
Spend your time here climbing or hiking in the Teton Range, fishing for trout, and cruising around the Jenny Lake Scenic Drive.
—Giovanna Caravetta, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fish for
Cite this Entry
“Fish for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20for. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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