検索
to fish for a compliment
01
to get people to praise one, often by pretending not to be happy with oneself
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "fish for a compliment" and when to use it?
The idiom "fish for a compliment" originated from the act of fishing, where one uses bait to lure fish towards them. In this context, "fish" represents seeking or searching for something, while "compliment" refers to a favorable remark or praise. This expression is now used figuratively to imply that someone is seeking validation or seeking praise from others through subtle or indirect means.
例
Sarah knew she looked stunning in her new dress, so she subtly mentioned it to her friends, fishing for a compliment.
The actor pretended to be modest about their performance, hoping others would fish for a compliment and praise their talent.
When John showed off his cooking skills, he kept glancing at his guests, hoping they would fish for a compliment about the delicious meal.
