Is there a specific word for the process where someone is trying to learn a specific piece of information in a conversation with you without revealing what he wants ?
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An example might be useful. – KillingTime Feb 09 '20 at 10:08
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I've claimed that 'Is there a term for a masked / veiled question to find sensitive information?' seems very much like a duplicate of 'Is there a specific word for the process where someone is trying to learn a specific piece of information in a conversation with you without revealing what he wants?' (accepted answer 'fishing expedition') but that CV-suggestion seems to have been removed without explanation. Not what I want on a reputable site. – Edwin Ashworth Feb 09 '20 at 12:53
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The word is "Stack Exchange". – CJ Dennis Feb 09 '20 at 22:43
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1Are you pumping us for information? – Yosef Baskin Feb 09 '20 at 23:13
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Does this answer your question? Is there a term for a masked / veiled question to find sensitive information? – jimm101 Feb 19 '20 at 18:10
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This is a fishing expedition (or, in a small way, merely fishing):
A search or investigation undertaken with the hope, though not the stated purpose, of discovering information.
— Lexico by Oxford
It's also used in another, related context, of getting someone to offer you something you want. For example, if you mention that you're driving somewhere, someone else might fish for a lift.
Andrew Leach
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A fishing expedition is when you don't know quite what you are looking for, but will know it when you here it. It is a baseless inquiry. – Phil Sweet Feb 09 '20 at 23:05
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