English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Fish for a compliment
Meaning
The idiom "fish for a compliment" means to seek out or try to obtain praise or positive feedback from someone else. It implies that the person is not naturally confident or self-assured, and needs external validation to feel good about themselves.
Usage
- After receiving a lukewarm response to her performance at the audition, the aspiring actress decided to "fish for a compliment" from the judge to boost her confidence.
- The shy student often "fished for a compliment" from his teachers during class to make up for his lack of self-esteem.
- During the job interview, the candidate tried to "fish for a compliment" from the interviewer by asking about their opinion of his skills.
- The salesman was known for always "fishing for a compliment" from his clients, hoping it would lead to more sales.
- The child was so insecure about her new school that she resorted to "fishing for a compliment" from her classmates to feel accepted.
Roots and History
The idiom "fish for a compliment" has its roots in the concept of fishing, which involves actively seeking out something desired or valuable. In this case, the person is actively seeking out praise or positive feedback. The earliest known use of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the first recorded usage appearing in a collection of American idioms in 1870. Over time, the idiom has remained relatively stable in meaning and usage, although it may have become more widely recognized and used as a common expression.
Synonyms in English
- Seek out praise or positive feedback.
- Look for compliments or validation.
- Try to obtain praise or recognition.
- Search for positive feedback or approval.
- Strive for affirmation or appreciation.
Synonyms in other languages
- French - "chercher une parole d'encouragement" (search for a word of encouragement)
- Spanish - "buscar una palabra de aliento" (search for a word of breath)
- German - "sucht nach Lob" (search for praise)
- Italian - "cercando qualche parola di apprezzamento" (searching for some words of appreciation)
- Japanese - "勧めを得ることについて知っていますか？" (do you know how to obtain praise?)