What does “Fish for compliments” mean?
"Fish for compliments" means to seek or try to get praise or compliments from others.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She always wears flashy outfits to fish for compliments.
Example
He constantly talks about his achievements to fish for compliments.
Example
I can tell she's just trying to fish for compliments with that new haircut
Is “Fish for compliments” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fish for compliments” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Fish for compliments” effectively in context?
You can use "Fish for Compliments" to describe someone who seeks or tries to get praise or compliments from others. It implies that the person is seeking validation or attention by intentionally doing or saying things to elicit compliments. For example, if a friend always wears flashy outfits in order to receive compliments, you might say, 'She always wears flashy outfits to fish for compliments.'
- 1Appearance
I can tell she's just trying to fish for compliments with that new haircut.
- 2Achievements
He constantly talks about his achievements to fish for compliments.
- 3Self-esteem
She always downplays her accomplishments to fish for compliments and boost her self-esteem.
Similar phrases to “Fish for compliments”:
To look for approval or recognition from others
Example
She constantly seeks validation from her peers to feel accepted.
Attention-seeking
Describing someone who seeks attention or validation from others
Example
His constant need for attention is exhausting.
Praise-seeking
Describing someone who actively seeks praise or compliments
Example
She's always fishing for compliments with her extravagant gestures.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fish for compliments” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fish for Compliments" is unknown.
Is “Fish for compliments” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Fish for Compliments" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who seeks validation or attention by intentionally trying to elicit compliments.
What tone does “Fish for compliments” have?
"Fish for Compliments" conveys a tone of seeking validation or attention. It can be used in a slightly negative or critical way to describe someone's behavior.
Can “Fish for compliments” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Fish for Compliments" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific behavior. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always wears flashy outfits to fish for compliments.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "fish for compliments"!' to imply seeking validation or attention.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- seek approval
- crave compliments
- yearn for praise
- hunt for admiration
- desire recognition
Antonyms
- be humble
- reject compliments
- disregard praise
- avoid attention
- shun validation
