fish in troubled waters
To try to capitalize on or benefit from a situation, circumstance, or experience that is fraught with disorder, difficulty, confusion, stress, etc. No one really thought about the money lenders who were making cash hand over fist during the recession, fishing in the troubled waters many homeowners and small businesses found themselves in. I know you have a crush on Jim, but he and his wife have enough problems without you over there fishing in troubled waters. I can't stand lawyers who fish in troubled waters and try to make money off of people who've just been in car accidents.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
fish in troubled waters
Fig. to involve oneself in a difficult, confused, or dangerous situation, especially with a view to gaining an advantage. Frank is fishing in troubled waters by buying more shares of that company. They are supposed to be in financial difficulties. The company could make more money by selling armaments abroad, but they would be fishing in troubled waters.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
fish in troubled waters
Try to take advantage of a confused situation. For example, He often buys up stock in companies declaring bankruptcy; fishing in troubled waters generally pays off . This term, first recorded in 1568, expresses the even older notion that fish bite more readily when seas are rough.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
fish in troubled waters
If you fish in troubled waters, you try to get an advantage by getting involved in someone else's problems. We must be careful not to appear to be fishing in troubled waters.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
fish in troubled waters
make a profit out of trouble or upheaval.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017