fishing for info

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fishing for info" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is trying to gather information in a subtle or indirect way. Example: "During the meeting, she was fishing for info about the new project without revealing her own plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It felt at times she was fishing for info during the reading, scrambling to gain confirmation from me, but at other moments, I felt like she was spot on and eerily so.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

For info.

The New York Times

For info Rigby Harting & Hagan F.H.

The New York Times

For info www.

The New York Times

For info Weigand Bros. Funeral Home, Williston Park.

The New York Times

For info Alleva Funeral Home, Inc., Paoli, PA.

The New York Times

For info: Feeney Funeral Home, Ridgewood, NJ.

The New York Times

For Info: Orland's Ewing Memorial Chapel: 609-883-1400.

The New York Times

For info, call John Krtil Funeral Home, 212-744-3084 212-744-3084 212-744-3084

The New York Times

For info Benta's Funeral Home , Inc

The New York Times

Please call Jane MacDonald for info at [phone].

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fishing for info" when you want to convey a subtle, indirect, and potentially manipulative attempt to gain information. Avoid using it in formal contexts where direct questioning is expected.

Common error

Avoid using "fishing for info" when the information gathering is direct and overt. The phrase implies a level of indirectness or even deception that would be inappropriate in straightforward inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fishing for info" functions as an idiomatic expression. It describes the act of subtly or indirectly trying to obtain information from someone, often without their explicit awareness or consent. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its usage in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fishing for info" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of subtly or indirectly trying to obtain information. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct but relatively infrequent, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral, its informal connotation makes it less suitable for formal communication. When clarity and directness are paramount, consider alternatives such as "soliciting information indirectly". Proper use of the phrase captures the nuances of indirect information seeking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extracting information subtly

Highlights the subtlety in obtaining the information.

Soliciting information indirectly

Focuses on the method of soliciting being indirect.

Subtly questioning for details

Highlights the subtle questioning involved.

Probing for information carefully

Focuses on the careful and cautious approach.

Gleaning information sneakily

Emphasizes the clandestine nature of gathering information.

Trying to get information covertly

Highlights the covert and secretive nature of the attempt.

Drawing out information gradually

Emphasizes the gradual process of extracting the information.

Inquiring indirectly for data

Stresses the indirect inquiry aspect to get to data.

Pumping for details

Uses a more informal term, "pumping", suggesting persistent questioning.

Hinting around for information

Describes the use of hints to indirectly gather information.

FAQs

How can I use "fishing for info" in a sentence?

You can use "fishing for info" to describe someone who is trying to get information indirectly or subtly. For example, "During the meeting, she was fishing for info about the upcoming merger."

What's a less informal way to say "fishing for info"?

For a more formal approach, consider using phrases like "soliciting information indirectly" or "extracting information subtly".

Is "fishing for info" appropriate for professional communication?

It depends on the context. "Fishing for info" can be suitable in informal settings or when describing a situation critically. However, in formal or professional communication, it's best to use more direct and neutral language.

What's the difference between "fishing for info" and "asking questions"?

"Asking questions" is a direct and straightforward way of seeking information. "Fishing for info" implies a more indirect, subtle, and sometimes manipulative approach to getting information, often without directly asking.