fishing for intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fishing for intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is trying to gather information or insights, often in a subtle or indirect manner. Example: "During the meeting, she was fishing for intelligence about the competitor's new product strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then he got a couple of calls on his mobile from fascists fishing for intelligence.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In early September Washington authorized the appropriation and outfitting of local fishing vessels for intelligence-gathering and interdiction of supplies to the British.

Wikipedia

Pearson Correlation Matrix for Intelligence and Reading Difference Scores Figure S1.

Child Development

Some reports given prominence in the media turned out to have innocent explanations, such as the "man in black" allegedly hunted by special intelligence who was revealed to be a pensioner fishing for sea trout.

The Guardian

Fishing, for example.

Independent

You are fishing for answers.

The New York Times

No, just fishing for attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

any fishing for such stocks.

Cornell University

I was fishing for gold.

The Guardian

"They were fishing for something.

The New York Times

Fishing for more science?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fishing for intelligence" when you want to convey a sense of subtlety or indirectness in the gathering of information, especially when the target is unaware of the information-seeking activity.

Common error

Avoid using "fishing for intelligence" in contexts where information gathering is overt or straightforward; the phrase implies a level of finesse and indirection that would be inappropriate otherwise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fishing for intelligence" functions as an idiomatic expression. It suggests an indirect and subtle approach to acquiring information. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English to express gathering insights, often in a subtle manner.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fishing for intelligence" is a usable idiomatic phrase that describes subtly gathering information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting that it implies an indirect approach. While not exceedingly common, it's found in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure that the context aligns with its subtle and discreet connotation. If a more direct approach is implied, alternatives such as "gathering intelligence" or "collecting data" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeking information surreptitiously

Focuses on the act of seeking information in a hidden or secretive manner.

probing for information indirectly

Highlights the indirect approach used to probe or investigate for information.

subtly extracting information

Emphasizes the subtle and careful extraction of intelligence.

gathering intelligence discreetly

Focuses on gathering information in a discreet, or unobtrusive manner.

digging for information covertly

Implies a hidden or secret method of digging for information.

attempting to elicit information

Highlights the attempt to draw out or evoke information.

trying to obtain information indirectly

Emphasizes the indirect method used to try and obtain information.

investigating for details subtly

Highlights the subtle approach to investigating for specific details.

unobtrusively seeking insights

Focuses on seeking insights in an unobtrusive and subtle way.

covertly searching for information

Emphasizes the covert, or hidden, nature of the search for information.

FAQs

What does "fishing for intelligence" mean?

The phrase "fishing for intelligence" refers to subtly or indirectly trying to obtain information, often without the target being fully aware of your intentions.

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

You might say, "During the meeting, she was "fishing for intelligence" about the competitor's new marketing strategy" to indicate she was subtly trying to gather information.

What are some alternatives to "fishing for intelligence"?

Consider using phrases like "seeking information surreptitiously", or "gathering intelligence discreetly", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "fishing for intelligence" a formal or informal expression?

"Fishing for intelligence" leans toward a neutral to slightly informal register. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "gathering information" or "collecting data".