verb
angle
To try to obtain something indirectly.
He keeps praising the project, apparently angling for a role in it.
Etymology
The older noun meant a fishhook. Trying indirectly to obtain a favor or advantage is pictured as fishing for it, with an inducement offered instead of a direct request.
More examples
- She angled for an invitation without asking directly.
- The salesperson tries to angle for a larger order.
- He angles for compliments by pointing out his supposed mistakes.
Forms
angle · angles · angled · angling