Fishing expedition Meaning in English
expression
Definición
A 'fishing expedition' is an attempt to find information without knowing exactly what you are looking for, often by asking many unrelated questions. It literally can also mean a trip to catch fish.
Uso & Matices
Informal and often negative, used for situations where someone is seeking information without a specific purpose, especially in law or investigations. Common with 'police', 'lawyers', or when someone is being questioned for unknown reasons. Also used literally for a trip to catch fish.
Oraciones de Ejemplo
We're planning a fishing expedition on the lake tomorrow.
basic
The lawyer's questions felt like a fishing expedition.
basic
The police were on a fishing expedition for evidence.
basic
They asked so many personal questions, it felt like a fishing expedition.
natural
This meeting is turning into a bit of a fishing expedition, isn't it?
natural
I don't have time for a fishing expedition—please ask specific questions.
natural