c) an attempt to find out information
Well done ! That’s the right answer.
A fishing expedition is an investigation that does not stick to a stated objective but hopes to uncover incriminating or newsworthy evidence.
French translation
I’m really not quite sure actually. It’s not really a ‘chasse aux sorcières’ although in some contexts, it would translate well. How would you translate it ? Mails welcome.
How NOT to translate : *une expédition de pêche
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Examples in context
‘Mr. Speaker, once again, our colleague in the Liberal Party is undertaking a fishing expedition.
President Donald Trump has accused Democrats in the US House of Representatives of launching a "fishing expedition in search of a crime".
He was referring to their inquiry into his alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of power.
On Monday, documents were requested from 81 people and groups, including some of the president’s closest allies.
They include some of Mr Trump’s aides and campaign staff, family members and business associates.
Mr Trump tweeted his response on Tuesday.’
BBC News, 5 March 2019
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Aguirre : Hontiveros on a fishing expedition against me in pastillas probe
‘Former Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Monday accused Senator Risa Hontiveros of "witch-hunting" and going on a "fishing expedition" against him in her investigation of the "pastillas scheme" at the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Claiming that there is no evidence connecting him to the bribery scheme, Aguirre said Hontiveros wanted to retaliate against him for the wiretapping complaint he filed against her in 2017.’
GMA News Online, 26 Oct. 2020
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Everyday usage
He was asked whether Wilkey was engaged in a fishing expedition aimed at politically embarrassing the House.
‘I know why you’re here. You’re on a fishing expedition. You’re hunting for material.’
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