angled for
Subtly pursued getting
To angle for something is to seek it through indirect or calculated means, like a fisherman casting a line rather than grabbing directly: She was clearly angling for a promotion, He kept angling for an invitation.
The phrase implies strategic maneuvering rather than straightforward asking.
Angled for is the past tense: They angled for his approval but never got it.
- manipulateControl through clever influence
- desireIntense wanting
- castPerformers, throw, or splint
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
- subtletyFine distinction, easily missed
scheme · played the game · insinuation · lure · exploit · coaxing · nudging · solicit · wrangled · trawl · dropped hints · aim · finagled · opportunism · hustle · jockey · strive · hinting