on a fishing expedition
Hoping for evidence
On a fishing expedition describes searching broadly without a specific target, hoping to find something useful.
The phrase comes from casting a line not knowing what you'll catch.
It often carries a negative connotation—suggesting someone is prying or investigating without proper grounds: The lawyer accused the prosecutor of being on a fishing expedition.
In casual use, it can simply mean exploring possibilities: I'm on a fishing expedition for new job leads.
Investigative work
- diggingRemoving earth below
- snoopingSecretly investigating others
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- inquiryRequest for information
interrogation · cross-examination · deposition · grilling · questioning · fact-finding · scrutiny · vetting
Recreational hook-and-line pursuit
Without factual support
- baselessLacking factual support
- speculativeBased on conjecture
- exploratorySeeking to discover
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
random · aimless · undirected · opportunistic · hopeful · hit-or-miss · scattershot · blind
Act of finding something
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- subpoenaWrit requiring testimony
- interrogatoriesFormal discovery questions
- cross-examinationOpposing party questions witness
testimony · sworn · counsel · litigation · prosecution · defense · witness · evidence
sleuthing
Investigative work
- diggingRemoving earth below
- snoopingSecretly investigating others
- probingThoroughly investigating something
inquiry · interrogation · cross-examination · deposition · grilling · questioning · fact-finding · scrutiny · vetting · auditing
angling
Recreational hook-and-line pursuit
- castingShaping through liquid form
- trollingProvoking reactions online
- trawlingNet-dragging fishing method
boat · rod · reel · tackle · bait · lure · hook · line · catch · charter
unfounded
Without factual support
- baselessLacking factual support
- speculativeBased on conjecture
- exploratorySeeking to discover
tentative · random · aimless · undirected · opportunistic · hopeful · hit-or-miss · scattershot · blind · dragnet
discovery
Act of finding something
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- subpoenaWrit requiring testimony
- interrogatoriesFormal discovery questions
cross-examination · testimony · sworn · counsel · litigation · prosecution · defense · witness · evidence · objection
on a fishing expeditionsurgical strike
Targeted operation minimizing damage
zeroing in · laser-focused · homing in · hot pursuit · cutting to the chase
fishing, fisher, fisherman, fishery, fished, fishes, expedition, expeditions, expeditionary