fish for compliments

fish for compliments

To attempt to elicit praise from someone, typically by saying negative things about oneself. We know you're a smart kind, Dan. You don't need to fish for compliments by talking about the one C you got. Tara's always fishing for compliments by talking about how she couldn't get her hair the way she wanted it.
See also: compliment, fish
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

fish for a compliment

Fig. to try to get someone to pay oneself a compliment. When she showed me her new dress, I could tell that she was fishing for a compliment. Tom was certainly fishing for a compliment when he modeled his fancy haircut for his friends.
See also: compliment, fish
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

fish for compliments

encourage somebody indirectly to say nice things about you: Stop asking me if you look OK. You’re just fishing for compliments.
See also: compliment, fish
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • fish for a compliment
  • raise (some/a few) eyebrows
  • raise some eyebrows
  • cause (some) eyebrows to raise
  • cause eyebrows to raise and cause some raised eyebrows
  • cause raised eyebrows
  • cause some raised eyebrows
  • eyebrow
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
References in periodicals archive
This is a clear case of mixed signals and the Filipino trait of saying something but meaning another-jele jele bago quiere-of making an outward show of humility to fish for compliments or support, of saying he wants to leave when he actually wants to be asked to stay.
FISH FOR COMPLIMENTS Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and pilchards contain omega 3 essential fatty acids that are good for your heart and brain.
Fish for compliments with a photo-print Turtle <B Cushion, PS8, Tesco Direct, www.tesco.com/direct, tel: 0800 323 4050
Finally, fish for compliments with a photo-print Turtle cushion, PS8, and a chunky ombre knit blue throw, PS25, from the Oceanic collection (www.
You're willing to let others get the glory and never fish for compliments or seek out attention.
Fish for compliments The Oceanographic Museum took 100,000 tonnes of stone and 11 years to build.
Fish for compliments Try our parmesan and herb crust cod for a healthy tea everyone will love.
BRANCHING 3OUT Vampire shot is furry nice IJ SEA YOU Seal pops into King Penguin snap FELINE3 FINE Pair of cats relax at home KIDDING J ABOUT Goat takes some time to relax TIME J OF OUR 9 LIVES Cats get down to business LLAMA J LOVE Couple's big day shot is ruined HUNGRY J HIPPO Huge semi-aquatic beast looks angry HORSING J AROUND Flowers for dinner UNDERWATER J LOVE Kissing couple fish for compliments FISH J OUT OF WATER Sea creature is head and shoulders above the rest LIFE J FLIESBY Pigeon steals the limelight PEEK-A-BOO creeps into shot GRIN J AND BEAR IT Massive mammal shows its teeth
Fish for compliments The reward box could be a cardboard box filled with rubber snakes or little balls - which the child can fish out with a net each time they are well behaved.
FISH FOR COMPLIMENTS Poolside or surfside, whet your guests' appetites with pastel Bellezza Fish accent pieces and the new Incanto Mare white turtles, all from the artisans of Vietri.
Richard Fahey, trainer of Benandonner, Fish for compliments and Bolodenka
You won't have to fish for compliments with guests if you serve up Paul's Mixed Seafood Served in Horseradish and Cockle Chowder.
I didn't have to fish for compliments; the response was amazing, reel-y!
Katie is Elaine's worst critic - and she knows better than to fish for compliments at home.
Melly does not need to fish for compliments here - predictably the book, though of greatest interest to fellow wielders of the rod and line, is full of his customary barbed wit and wickedness.