A fishing expedition Meaning in English
expression
Definition
An attempt to find information without knowing exactly what you're looking for, often by making many questions or investigations in hopes of discovering something useful.
Usage & Nuances
Usually refers to legal, investigative, or informal settings when people ask many open-ended questions hoping for information, often with little direction or evidence. Can be slightly negative, implying lack of focus. Not typically about actual fishing.
Example Sentences
The police interview felt like a fishing expedition.
basic
The reporter's questions turned into a fishing expedition.
basic
She said she was not interested in a fishing expedition.
basic
Their questions turned into a fishing expedition when they ran out of real leads.
natural
"Are you just on a fishing expedition here, or do you actually have a reason for these questions?"
natural
I don't want to go on a fishing expedition—tell me what you really need.
natural