fishing for compliments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'fishing for compliments' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom used when someone is asking for compliments from others or seeking recognition for something they have done or said. For example, "I can't believe everyone liked my presentation, I'm not fishing for compliments but I'm glad you all enjoyed it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

(h) "I'd Rather Be Fishing for Compliments!"   12.

The New Yorker

(h) "I'd Rather Be Fishing for Compliments!" (a) High school.

The New Yorker

We just win," were not exactly fishing for compliments.

The New York Times

Sometimes I say to people, "Oh, I am old!" but I am just fishing for compliments.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On television, it might have come across as someone desperately fishing for compliments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"People who go out and solicit negative feedback — meaning they aren't just fishing for compliments — report higher satisfaction," she says.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

In one of those transparent fishing-for-compliments-moments, I replied: "Me too".

Vice

She's fat -- and not even in the politically incorrect, fishing-for-compliments way.

Huffington Post

Princess (of Long Island) fishes for compliments.

The New Yorker

We fish for compliments, subtly or openly.

Harvard Business Review

So he fishes for compliments in the shark-infested waters of a family gathering.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your own actions, avoid phrases like "I'm not fishing for compliments, but..." Instead, frame your statement as simply sharing information or seeking feedback.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone is "fishing for compliments" without considering their genuine need for feedback or reassurance. Sometimes, people simply seek validation rather than deliberate flattery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fishing for compliments" functions as an idiomatic expression describing the act of indirectly seeking praise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts to depict attempts at eliciting positive feedback.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "fishing for compliments" describes the act of subtly or indirectly seeking praise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, though it often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying a degree of insincerity. Usage ranges from news and media to informal conversation, but is less common in academic or scientific contexts. When writing, be mindful of the potential negative implication and consider alternative phrases like "seeking praise" or "angling for praise" depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angling for praise

Uses a similar metaphor to "fishing", indicating a subtle attempt to get compliments.

seeking praise

Focuses on the act of looking for positive feedback.

soliciting compliments

Highlights a more direct and intentional request for praise.

hinting for compliments

Suggests a subtle or indirect way of seeking praise.

courting flattery

Suggests an active attempt to gain flattering remarks.

inviting admiration

Emphasizes creating opportunities for others to express admiration.

trying to get a pat on the back

Implies seeking acknowledgment or approval for one's actions.

wanting validation

Focuses on the need for external confirmation of one's worth or abilities.

egging on praise

Describes encouraging someone to express positive feedback.

drawing attention to achievements

Highlights the act of making one's accomplishments known to gain recognition.

FAQs

How to use "fishing for compliments" in a sentence?

You can use "fishing for compliments" to describe someone who is indirectly trying to get praise. For example, "She kept talking about how little sleep she got last night; it seemed like she was "fishing for compliments"".

What can I say instead of "fishing for compliments"?

You can use alternatives like "seeking praise", "soliciting compliments", or "angling for praise" depending on the context.

Is "fishing for compliments" negative?

The phrase "fishing for compliments" often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying insincerity or a need for validation. However, it's not always intended negatively; sometimes it simply describes someone seeking reassurance.

What's the difference between "fishing for compliments" and "being confident"?

"Fishing for compliments" involves seeking external validation, while confidence comes from internal self-assurance. A confident person doesn't need to indirectly ask for praise.