1 C1 idiomatic informal
To push or feed a wire, cable, or rope downward through a narrow or hidden channel such as a wall cavity.
"The electrician had to fish the cable down through the wall to reach the socket below."
separable
fish down
C1 informal separable transitive
To guide or push something downward through a narrow or concealed space.
In plain English
To push or guide a wire, rope, or cable down through a tight hidden space.
What does "fish down" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like a fisherman lowering a line down into water — pushing something down through a narrow channel.
Actually means
To push or guide a wire, rope, or cable down through a tight hidden space.
Usage tip
Highly specialized; most commonly used in electrical work, plumbing, and construction contexts. Rarely heard outside trade or DIY conversations.
Words that pair with "fish down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wire cable rope conduit pipe line
How to conjugate "fish down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fish down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fishes down
he/she/it
Past simple
fished down
yesterday
Past participle
fished down
have + pp
-ing form
fishing down
continuous
Hear "fish down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fish down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fish down"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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