fish for

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

Guests can also participate in a range of environmental programs including coastline cleanups, recycling efforts, and reef protection activity that includes going fishing for destructive lionfish—and then enjoying a meal cooked with it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026

The result ravaged communities that rely on the ocean – fish, birds, marine mammals, and people who fish for their livelihoods throughout the eastern tropical Pacific. — Julia Cole, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026

Scientists say a key reason for their deaths could be that there are not enough fish for the birds to eat. — Mark Robichaux, Washington Post, 19 Aug. 2026

The few Samish tribal members who fish for a living do so in Alaska. — John Ryan, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for fish for

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore