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

See Examples For:

fish in troubled waters

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

Surely she loves to fish in troubled waters, and drink the cup of contention, or she would not now think of mingling her affairs with those of America.

From Writings of Thomas Paine — Volume 1 (1774-1779): the American Crisis by Conway, Moncure Daniel

The absurdly small minority consisted mostly of Americanized camp-following traders, who, having come to fish in troubled waters, naturally wanted the laws made to suit poachers.

From The Father of British Canada: a Chronicle of Carleton by Wood, William Charles Henry

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

From Roderick Hudson by James, Henry