What does “Fish in troubled waters” mean?
"Fish in troubled waters" means to create problems or cause trouble in a difficult or tense situation.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
He's always trying to fish in troubled waters by stirring up drama.
He's always trying to fish in troubled waters by stirring up drama.
Example
The politician's comments only served to fish in troubled waters and escalate the conflict.
The politician's comments only served to fish in troubled waters and escalate the conflict.
Example
She knew that bringing up the sensitive topic would only fish in troubled waters and make the situation worse
She knew that bringing up the sensitive topic would only fish in troubled waters and make the situation worse
Is “Fish in troubled waters” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Fish in troubled waters” 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 in troubled waters” effectively in context?
You can use "Fish in Troubled Waters" to describe someone who intentionally stirs up conflict or creates problems in a difficult or tense situation. It implies that the person is taking advantage of the chaos or turmoil for their own benefit. For example, if someone is spreading rumors during a disagreement, you might say, 'He's always trying to fish in troubled waters by stirring up drama.'
- 1Social Settings
At the party, she decided to fish in troubled waters by bringing up a controversial topic and starting an argument.
At the party, she decided to fish in troubled waters by bringing up a controversial topic and starting an argument.
- 2Politics
The politician's comments only served to fish in troubled waters and escalate the conflict between the two parties.
The politician's comments only served to fish in troubled waters and escalate the conflict between the two parties.
- 3Family Gatherings
She knew that bringing up the sensitive topic would only fish in troubled waters and make the situation worse.
She knew that bringing up the sensitive topic would only fish in troubled waters and make the situation worse.
Similar phrases to “Fish in troubled waters”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Fish in troubled waters” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Fish in Troubled Waters" is unknown.
Is “Fish in troubled waters” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Fish in Troubled Waters" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who intentionally causes trouble or exacerbates a difficult situation.
What tone does “Fish in troubled waters” have?
"Fish in Troubled Waters" conveys a tone of criticism or disapproval. It suggests that the person being described is acting selfishly or irresponsibly by taking advantage of a tense situation.
Can “Fish in troubled waters” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "fish in troubled waters" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of creating problems or causing trouble in a difficult situation. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as discussions, presentations, or written communication.
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, 'He's always trying to fish in troubled waters by spreading rumors.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Stop fishing in troubled waters!' to imply that someone should stop causing trouble.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- provoke trouble
- cause conflict
- instigate problems
- create chaos
- stoke tensions
Antonyms
- build bridges
- promote peace
- resolve conflicts
- ease tensions
- facilitate harmony
