fish out of

fish (someone or something) out of (something)

To find and retrieve someone or something. The lifeguard didn't think Maggie could swim, so he jumped in to fish her out of the pool. It took me a minute to fish my keys out of my bag.
See also: fish, of, out

fish someone or something out of something

 and fish someone or something Out
to pull someone or something out of something or some place. She is down at the river-bank, fishing driftwood out of the water. She fished out a lot of wood.
See also: fish, of, out
References in periodicals archive ?
This fish out of water is meant to be cute and endearing in his naivete: His survival needs are put to the test among a Manhattan sect that tends to shock easily when its tropical fish are roasted or potted palms are used for the relief of bodily functions.
Jungle 2 Jungle
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