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fish

A1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈɪʃ/

US

  • /ˈfɪʃ/

Description

We all know fish. They are the animals that live in water, in places like oceans, lakes, and rivers. But "fish" is not just about the animal itself. It is also a common kind of food that people eat in many parts of the world, whether it is fried, grilled, baked, or smoked. The word can also be a verb. If you fish, you try to catch them in water.

The word can also be used in a wider way when someone is trying to get something out of another person without asking directly. For example, if someone is fishing for information, they are trying to get it in a careful or indirect way. So you might catch fish on a trip, eat fish for dinner, or fish for answers in a conversation.

Examples

  1. 1

    Animal

    A silver fish flashed just under the surface of the water.

  2. 2

    Groups

    We saw dozens of fish near the rocks.

  3. 3

    Food

    They serve fresh fish with lemon and herbs at that restaurant.

  4. 4

    Fishing activity

    Some families here fish from the beach before sunrise.

  5. 5

    Fishing target

    In autumn, people come to this river to fish for salmon.

    • Pattern

      fish for + type of fish

      try to catch that kind of fish

  6. 6

    Searching by touch

    She was fishing in her pocket for some coins.

    • Pattern

      fish for + object

      search for something by feeling around

  7. 7

    Indirect praise

    He kept asking if the report was good, but I knew he was fishing for compliments.

    • Phrase

      fish for compliments

      try to get praise indirectly

  8. 8

    Awkward situation

    When I started my new job, I felt like a fish out of water.

    • Phrase

      a fish out of water

      someone who feels awkward in a new place or situation

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • fishnounverb

Forms

  • fishing-ing formverbnoun
  • fishespluralnounverb
  • fishedpast tenseverbnoun