fish in troubled waters

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

Meanwhile, I was becoming convinced that the Soviets were seeking to fish in troubled waters.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Soviets, Weinberger said on Face the Nation, "have a huge presence in Syria, and they love to fish in troubled waters."

From Time Magazine Archive

He will continue to shower his favours upon it, and disturb everything there, so as to be able to fish in troubled waters.

From The Schemes of the Kaiser by Adam, Juliette

In the degree to which institutions fail to function, the unscrupulous journalist can fish in troubled waters, and the conscientious one must gamble with uncertainties.

From Public Opinion by Lippmann, Walter

If Roderick chose to fish in troubled waters, he must land his prizes himself.

From Roderick Hudson by James, Henry