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to fish in troubled waters
01
to make effort to turn a difficult situation in one's favor
Dialect
British
British![to [fish] in troubled waters definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44668/original/?type=jpeg "to [fish] in troubled waters definition and meaning")
Idiom
Informal
What 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.
Examples
While the board was divided, he fished in troubled waters and pushed his own plan through.
