fishing expedition
Definition
Noun: 1. An investigation or inquiry conducted with the vague hope of discovering useful or incriminating information, rather than with a specific, legitimate, or stated purpose. This term often implies that the investigation is a speculative search for evidence, typically without a clear justification or probable cause.
Usage
The term "fishing expedition" is used to describe an exploratory and often unfocused investigation. It is commonly employed in legal, journalistic, and political contexts to criticize inquiries perceived as overreaching or lacking a proper basis. - It is typically used as a singular noun phrase. - It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the investigation is improper, speculative, or a misuse of power.
Examples
- The defense attorney argued that the prosecutor's request for all company emails was nothing more than a fishing expedition.
- The committee rejected the subpoena, calling it a politically motivated fishing expedition with no clear objective.
- Journalists must avoid launching fishing expeditions and should base their investigations on specific leads.
Advanced Usage
- Legal Context: In law, a "fishing expedition" often refers to an overly broad discovery request or an investigation without probable cause, which courts typically disallow.
- Figurative Use: It can be used more broadly for any aimless or speculative search for information.
Variants and Related Words
- Fishing Trip: A less common, informal variant with the same meaning.
- Exploratory Investigation: A more neutral, formal term for a preliminary inquiry.
- Speculative Search: A phrase describing a search based on conjecture rather than evidence.
Synonyms
- Unfounded inquiry
- Speculative investigation
- Fishing trip (informal)
- Wide-ranging search
Antonyms
- Focused investigation
- Targeted inquiry
- Specific search
Idioms and Related Phrases
- To go on a fishing expedition: The verbal phrase meaning to engage in such an investigation.
Noun
-
an investigation undertaken in the hope (but not the stated purpose) of discovering information
