fishing expedition

• Expressão metafórica que descreve uma investigação, inquérito ou busca de informações realizada sem objetivo claro ou foco específico, frequentemente em contexto jurídico ou jornalístico, na esperança de encontrar provas ou fatos úteis lançando uma rede ampla. Também se refere a uma ação judicial ou investigação de natureza especulativa, usada para descobrir irregularidades sem suspeita definida.

A metaphorical expression describing an investigation, inquiry, or search for information conducted without a clear target or specific goal, often in a legal or journalistic context, where one hopes to uncover useful evidence or facts by casting a wide net.

1. Vague investigationC1formal

   An investigation or inquiry conducted without a clear goal, hoping to find incriminating or useful information.

   Investigação sem objetivo definido

   • The lawyer accused the prosecutor of going on a fishing expedition.
   • The audit turned into a fishing expedition for unrelated financial records.
   • The committee's questions seemed like a fishing expedition rather than a focused inquiry.

2. Random searchB2informal

   A broad, unsystematic search for information or evidence.

   Busca aleatória

   • The journalist's interview was a fishing expedition for gossip.
   • His questions were just a fishing expedition; he didn't know what he was looking for.
   • The police raid was criticized as a fishing expedition without a warrant.