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
If a co-worker fishes for help without clarity, ask for specifics with care.
—
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
During the simulation, the robot tested countless movements and gradually learned how to arrange the fish for slicing.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
This apex predator lives along coastlines and other bodies of water, fishing for food.
—Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Today, only the Pamunkey and citizens of other tribes in Virginia can legally fish for shad in this region.
—Torben Rick, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fish for
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Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
During the simulation, the robot tested countless movements and gradually learned how to arrange the fish for slicing.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
This apex predator lives along coastlines and other bodies of water, fishing for food.
—Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 June 2026
Today, only the Pamunkey and citizens of other tribes in Virginia can legally fish for shad in this region.
—Torben Rick, The Conversation, 18 June 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 25 Jun. 2026.
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