An investigation or inquiry conducted without a clear objective, hoping to discover useful information or evidence through broad, unfocused searching.
This phrase originated in legal contexts during the early 20th century, describing discovery processes where lawyers sought evidence without specific targets. The metaphor compares such investigations to fishing without knowing what fish might be caught or where they might be found.
Legal professionals often use 'fishing expedition' pejoratively to criticize opponents' discovery tactics, but the phrase has expanded to describe any hunt for information where you're not sure what you're looking for. It perfectly captures that sense of casting about hopefully in murky waters.
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