fish around

fish around

1. To grope around for something with one's hands. I'm fishing around under the couch, but I don't think your phone is down here, Mom!2. To pursue something indirectly, often compliments, as by saying negative things about oneself. Quit fishing around for compliments—we all liked your performance, OK?See also: around, fish

fish around

v. To seek within some place by or as if by probing: She was fishing around in her pocket for a quarter. He fished around for compliments after the meeting.See also: around, fish