Definition of the word fish for

The origin of the phrase "fish for" in the sense of "try to obtain" is believed to be related to the traditional method of fishing. During the Middle Ages, when this expression first appeared in written form, fishing was an important profession and a popular pastime. Anglers would cast their nets or lines into the water, hoping to catch fish. Over time, the phrase "fish for" came to mean "make an effort to obtain" something, just as a fisherman makes an effort to catch a fish. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) explains that the first known usage of "fish for" in this sense was in the 15th century text "The Book of the Chelle," which describes how "he torchvchesseth amazynge, yf thou wolste symple, and fysheth medlely with hym." ("torchevishes amazingly, if you want to put it simply, and fishes with him haphazardly.") The phrase "fish for" gained wider popularity in the 19th century, when it was frequently used in the context of political and social criticism. Today, it is a common idiom used in a variety of contexts, including business, sports, and everyday conversation. So the next time you "fish for" a compliment or "fish for" a new client, you can thank the ancient anglers who inspired this enduring metaphor.