to angle for
8
6.9
- 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.
- Again, I can't fathom what promotion he's angling for here.
- Yes, I'm angling for something more.
Examples
-
Are you angling for success?
-
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?
-
What are you angling for, a side bet?
-
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.
-
- Hey, fellas, I know you guys are angling for my job but-
-
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
26
6.2
To try to get information or praise by hinting
18
7.5
To try to get something by hinting or not asking directly
1
7.7
Use clever or dishonest moves to get an advantage
Antonyms
How Indirect
382
6.1
- US
108
6.3
- Informal
8
6.9
- Informal
26
6.2
136
2.0
∞
1.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.