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Glite Dictionary
to angle for

to angle for

8 6.9
To try to get something by hinting rather than asking directly
  • phrasal verb
  • /ˈæŋɡəl fɔr/
  • Informal
: intentar conseguir
  • "He's just angling for a bigger share of the profits."
  • angling for a promotion
  • angling for the job
  • angling for attention

Again, I can't fathom what promotion he's angling for here.

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Examples

  • Are you angling for success?

    Mr. Nobody (2009)

  • Actually, this may be what her defense counsel is angling for in his letter.

    Blog text (31)

  • -What are you-- angling for some new shoes now?

    Violet & Daisy (2011)

  • What are you angling for, a side bet?

    Pickup on South Street (1953)

  • Republicans continue to angle for swing voters concerned about programs like education, environmental protection, and food safety.

    Blog text (23)

  • Yes, I'm angling for something more.

    MIT OpenCourseWare

  • - Hey, fellas, I know you guys are angling for my job but-

    The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001)

  • Sounds like someone is angling for a job at the Daily Beast.

    Blog text (32)

  • Haim Saban seems to be angling for control of Partner Communications.

    Blog text (23)

  • She was angling for a promotion by subtly showcasing her skills during the meeting.

Synonyms

to fish
vsto angle for
  • Informal
26 6.2

To try to get information or praise by hinting

is broader, aiming for anything indirectly with subtle methods
to angle
vsto angle for
  • Informal
18 7.5

To try to get something by hinting or not asking directly

has identical meaning but differs only in phrasing
to play the angle
vsto angle for
1 7.7

Use clever or dishonest moves to get an advantage

focuses on hinting or subtle indirect attempts rather than broad manipulation

Antonyms

to demand
943 2.7

To ask for something in a strong, urgent way

asking
1 1.0

A request you make to someone for something you want

How Indirect

to manipulate
382 6.1
maneuver
  • US
108 6.3
to angle for
  • Informal
8 6.9
to fish
  • Informal
26 6.2
to hint
136 2.0
to suggest
∞ 1.6

Surface Forms

angle for infinitive
angled for past
angled for past participle
angling for present participle
angles for third person singular

Morphology

angle + for

The verb 'angle' in this sense already means 'to try to obtain something by indirect means' and the preposition 'for' simply marks the target of that action; the MWE's meaning is therefore directly compositional from its parts. This follows a standard verb + preposition pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

The verb angle for comes from fishing: angle meant 'to fish' with a hook. To angle for something is like using bait to catch a fish, and you try to get it indirectly, which is why it means 'to try to obtain something indirectly'.