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to fish in troubled waters
01
to make effort to turn a difficult situation in one's favor
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Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "fish in troubled waters" and when to use it?
The idiom "fish in troubled waters" is rooted in the world of fishing, where it refers to the practice of fishing in turbulent or disturbed waters. The origin of the phrase lies in the idea that when waters are troubled, fish may become disoriented or agitated, making them easier to catch. Fishermen would take advantage of this situation to increase their chances of catching fish. It is used figuratively to describe someone who seeks opportunities or advantages in situations of confusion, disorder, or difficulty.
Example
The detective knew that criminals often fish in troubled waters, taking advantage of chaotic situations to commit crimes.
He saw the disagreement as a chance to fish in troubled waters and advance his own agenda.
Political opportunists often fish in troubled waters, exploiting crises for their own gain.
During the company's financial crisis, some competitors tried to fish in troubled waters by poaching our clients.
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