fishing expedition

noun

1
: a legal interrogation or examination to discover information for a later proceeding
2
: an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence

Examples of fishing expedition in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The lawsuit continued: The CID constitutes a fishing expedition into the most sensitive areas of Media Matters' journalism and advocacy. ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025 To top it off, the Snake River and other private creeks on the property allow for exclusive fishing expeditions. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 June 2025 The marina is easily accessible for boating, fishing expeditions, and leisurely excursions. Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 Travelers can take excursions that include island buggy tours and kayak fishing expeditions. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fishing expedition

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fishing expedition was in 1874

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Cite this Entry

“Fishing expedition.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fishing%20expedition. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Legal Definition

fishing expedition

noun
fish·​ing ex·​pe·​di·​tion
-ˌek-spə-ˈdi-shən
1
: an inquiry (as by the use of discovery) that is unnecessarily extensive or unrelated to the lawsuit
2
: an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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