idioms using “fish”

Like a fish out of water

Extremely uncomfortable in a particular situation

“After living in London all of her life, Masako-san felt like a fish out of water in Tokyo.”

Fishing around

Snooping around, looking for something

“Newspaper reporters were fishing around the neighbourhood yesterday trying to get local information on the politician.”

Fishy

Odd, troubling, dishonest

“Many viewers thought there was something fishy about the way the winner was chosen in the talent competition on TV.”

Fish or cut bait

Make a decision to do something or to not do it, (stop just talking about it)

“Kazuki-san has been talking about starting his own company for years; he needs to either fish or cut bait.”

Fish for compliments

To seek compliments about oneself, often by belittling oneself

“You know that you performed well today, Ando-san. Are you just fishing for a compliment?”