Is there an idiom or saying for someone asking the same question many times in hopes of a more favourable...
What is the idiom or phrase to describe someone fishing around by asking the same question to different people until they get the answer they want? Like when someone asks a sales person if there are any specials or discount, and the answer is no. So they go ask someone else the same question hoping that if they ask enough eventually someone will tell them what the wanted to hear first time.
Similar to the phrase "asking the same question won't get you a different answer". It's usually used to describe kids asking the same question hoping that someone will say yes. Almost like not wanting to accept reality, and trying to convince yourself you can when you know you can't, but ask anyway because eventually someone will give you the answer you want, even though it won't change the outcome.
So say a child does not want to drink water, but they have heard plenty doctor's and teachers and parents say that you HAVE to drink water else you'll die. They already know that's true but don't want to accept it. So they get clever and ask around, constructing the question in such a way that eventually someone will give them the answer they want to her. So instead of asking if they can drink juice instead of water and not die (because they know the answer will be no) they ask "Mom, instead of drinking 6 cups of water a day, can I drink 18 cups of juice a day instead?" implying that the fluid content in 18 cups of juice will be equal to the fluid content your body requires from the 6 cups of water everyone says you need.
I hope my question makes sense?
idioms questions
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
add a comment |
What is the idiom or phrase to describe someone fishing around by asking the same question to different people until they get the answer they want? Like when someone asks a sales person if there are any specials or discount, and the answer is no. So they go ask someone else the same question hoping that if they ask enough eventually someone will tell them what the wanted to hear first time.
Similar to the phrase "asking the same question won't get you a different answer". It's usually used to describe kids asking the same question hoping that someone will say yes. Almost like not wanting to accept reality, and trying to convince yourself you can when you know you can't, but ask anyway because eventually someone will give you the answer you want, even though it won't change the outcome.
So say a child does not want to drink water, but they have heard plenty doctor's and teachers and parents say that you HAVE to drink water else you'll die. They already know that's true but don't want to accept it. So they get clever and ask around, constructing the question in such a way that eventually someone will give them the answer they want to her. So instead of asking if they can drink juice instead of water and not die (because they know the answer will be no) they ask "Mom, instead of drinking 6 cups of water a day, can I drink 18 cups of juice a day instead?" implying that the fluid content in 18 cups of juice will be equal to the fluid content your body requires from the 6 cups of water everyone says you need.
I hope my question makes sense?
idioms questions
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
Asking only for an idiom is not helpful. What has your research found?
– lbf
Jun 1 '18 at 16:22
We've had a number of cases in recent years where various EU member countries have had to hold repeat referendums because they gave the "wrong" answer. If there'd been a pre-existing well-known term (idiomatic or otherwise), I think it would have been widely publicised by the disgruntled. But nothing comers to mind, so I think maybe we don't have a "standard" way of expressing the situation (which can apply in many contexts).
– FumbleFingers
Jun 1 '18 at 16:28
1
Ragfrack suggests 'If you don't like the answer, change the question' (with the meaning 'If you don't like the answer, ask the question in a way more likely to give an answer you prefer.) The Dilbert cartoon loosely covering such obscurantism that they provide is marvellous.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 1 '18 at 16:47
It's not clear if you're asking for (1) something that describes "coercive" behaviour (asking something repeatedly in order to wear down the person answering), (2) something that describes the logical fallacy of thinking that desire or repetition can change an outcome, (3) something that represents the emotional state of the person who won't accept an answer because they don't like it, or (4) something else.
– Jason Bassford
Jun 1 '18 at 18:04
Children (and adults) drink when they are thirsty. They don't have to be told to do so. This is part of human physiology. ( And the current fad of carrying water bottles around in Northern Europe for fear of dehydration is idiotic in the extreme.)
– David
Jun 1 '18 at 22:09
add a comment |
What is the idiom or phrase to describe someone fishing around by asking the same question to different people until they get the answer they want? Like when someone asks a sales person if there are any specials or discount, and the answer is no. So they go ask someone else the same question hoping that if they ask enough eventually someone will tell them what the wanted to hear first time.
Similar to the phrase "asking the same question won't get you a different answer". It's usually used to describe kids asking the same question hoping that someone will say yes. Almost like not wanting to accept reality, and trying to convince yourself you can when you know you can't, but ask anyway because eventually someone will give you the answer you want, even though it won't change the outcome.
So say a child does not want to drink water, but they have heard plenty doctor's and teachers and parents say that you HAVE to drink water else you'll die. They already know that's true but don't want to accept it. So they get clever and ask around, constructing the question in such a way that eventually someone will give them the answer they want to her. So instead of asking if they can drink juice instead of water and not die (because they know the answer will be no) they ask "Mom, instead of drinking 6 cups of water a day, can I drink 18 cups of juice a day instead?" implying that the fluid content in 18 cups of juice will be equal to the fluid content your body requires from the 6 cups of water everyone says you need.
I hope my question makes sense?
idioms questions
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
What is the idiom or phrase to describe someone fishing around by asking the same question to different people until they get the answer they want? Like when someone asks a sales person if there are any specials or discount, and the answer is no. So they go ask someone else the same question hoping that if they ask enough eventually someone will tell them what the wanted to hear first time.
Similar to the phrase "asking the same question won't get you a different answer". It's usually used to describe kids asking the same question hoping that someone will say yes. Almost like not wanting to accept reality, and trying to convince yourself you can when you know you can't, but ask anyway because eventually someone will give you the answer you want, even though it won't change the outcome.
So say a child does not want to drink water, but they have heard plenty doctor's and teachers and parents say that you HAVE to drink water else you'll die. They already know that's true but don't want to accept it. So they get clever and ask around, constructing the question in such a way that eventually someone will give them the answer they want to her. So instead of asking if they can drink juice instead of water and not die (because they know the answer will be no) they ask "Mom, instead of drinking 6 cups of water a day, can I drink 18 cups of juice a day instead?" implying that the fluid content in 18 cups of juice will be equal to the fluid content your body requires from the 6 cups of water everyone says you need.
I hope my question makes sense?
idioms questions
idioms questions
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
asked Jun 1 '18 at 16:18
StefneyStefney
161
161
Asking only for an idiom is not helpful. What has your research found?
– lbf
Jun 1 '18 at 16:22
We've had a number of cases in recent years where various EU member countries have had to hold repeat referendums because they gave the "wrong" answer. If there'd been a pre-existing well-known term (idiomatic or otherwise), I think it would have been widely publicised by the disgruntled. But nothing comers to mind, so I think maybe we don't have a "standard" way of expressing the situation (which can apply in many contexts).
– FumbleFingers
Jun 1 '18 at 16:28
1
Ragfrack suggests 'If you don't like the answer, change the question' (with the meaning 'If you don't like the answer, ask the question in a way more likely to give an answer you prefer.) The Dilbert cartoon loosely covering such obscurantism that they provide is marvellous.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 1 '18 at 16:47
It's not clear if you're asking for (1) something that describes "coercive" behaviour (asking something repeatedly in order to wear down the person answering), (2) something that describes the logical fallacy of thinking that desire or repetition can change an outcome, (3) something that represents the emotional state of the person who won't accept an answer because they don't like it, or (4) something else.
– Jason Bassford
Jun 1 '18 at 18:04
Children (and adults) drink when they are thirsty. They don't have to be told to do so. This is part of human physiology. ( And the current fad of carrying water bottles around in Northern Europe for fear of dehydration is idiotic in the extreme.)
– David
Jun 1 '18 at 22:09
add a comment |
Asking only for an idiom is not helpful. What has your research found?
– lbf
Jun 1 '18 at 16:22
We've had a number of cases in recent years where various EU member countries have had to hold repeat referendums because they gave the "wrong" answer. If there'd been a pre-existing well-known term (idiomatic or otherwise), I think it would have been widely publicised by the disgruntled. But nothing comers to mind, so I think maybe we don't have a "standard" way of expressing the situation (which can apply in many contexts).
– FumbleFingers
Jun 1 '18 at 16:28
1
Ragfrack suggests 'If you don't like the answer, change the question' (with the meaning 'If you don't like the answer, ask the question in a way more likely to give an answer you prefer.) The Dilbert cartoon loosely covering such obscurantism that they provide is marvellous.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 1 '18 at 16:47
It's not clear if you're asking for (1) something that describes "coercive" behaviour (asking something repeatedly in order to wear down the person answering), (2) something that describes the logical fallacy of thinking that desire or repetition can change an outcome, (3) something that represents the emotional state of the person who won't accept an answer because they don't like it, or (4) something else.
– Jason Bassford
Jun 1 '18 at 18:04
Children (and adults) drink when they are thirsty. They don't have to be told to do so. This is part of human physiology. ( And the current fad of carrying water bottles around in Northern Europe for fear of dehydration is idiotic in the extreme.)
– David
Jun 1 '18 at 22:09
Asking only for an idiom is not helpful. What has your research found?
– lbf
Jun 1 '18 at 16:22
Asking only for an idiom is not helpful. What has your research found?
– lbf
Jun 1 '18 at 16:22
We've had a number of cases in recent years where various EU member countries have had to hold repeat referendums because they gave the "wrong" answer. If there'd been a pre-existing well-known term (idiomatic or otherwise), I think it would have been widely publicised by the disgruntled. But nothing comers to mind, so I think maybe we don't have a "standard" way of expressing the situation (which can apply in many contexts).
– FumbleFingers
Jun 1 '18 at 16:28
We've had a number of cases in recent years where various EU member countries have had to hold repeat referendums because they gave the "wrong" answer. If there'd been a pre-existing well-known term (idiomatic or otherwise), I think it would have been widely publicised by the disgruntled. But nothing comers to mind, so I think maybe we don't have a "standard" way of expressing the situation (which can apply in many contexts).
– FumbleFingers
Jun 1 '18 at 16:28
1
1
Ragfrack suggests 'If you don't like the answer, change the question' (with the meaning 'If you don't like the answer, ask the question in a way more likely to give an answer you prefer.) The Dilbert cartoon loosely covering such obscurantism that they provide is marvellous.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 1 '18 at 16:47
Ragfrack suggests 'If you don't like the answer, change the question' (with the meaning 'If you don't like the answer, ask the question in a way more likely to give an answer you prefer.) The Dilbert cartoon loosely covering such obscurantism that they provide is marvellous.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 1 '18 at 16:47
It's not clear if you're asking for (1) something that describes "coercive" behaviour (asking something repeatedly in order to wear down the person answering), (2) something that describes the logical fallacy of thinking that desire or repetition can change an outcome, (3) something that represents the emotional state of the person who won't accept an answer because they don't like it, or (4) something else.
– Jason Bassford
Jun 1 '18 at 18:04
It's not clear if you're asking for (1) something that describes "coercive" behaviour (asking something repeatedly in order to wear down the person answering), (2) something that describes the logical fallacy of thinking that desire or repetition can change an outcome, (3) something that represents the emotional state of the person who won't accept an answer because they don't like it, or (4) something else.
– Jason Bassford
Jun 1 '18 at 18:04
Children (and adults) drink when they are thirsty. They don't have to be told to do so. This is part of human physiology. ( And the current fad of carrying water bottles around in Northern Europe for fear of dehydration is idiotic in the extreme.)
– David
Jun 1 '18 at 22:09
Children (and adults) drink when they are thirsty. They don't have to be told to do so. This is part of human physiology. ( And the current fad of carrying water bottles around in Northern Europe for fear of dehydration is idiotic in the extreme.)
– David
Jun 1 '18 at 22:09
add a comment |
1 Answer
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The term that fits the case is "opinion-shopping". There are online definitions that seem to restrict the use to audit and accountancy:
"Opinion shopping is a dubious practice that involves finding an auditor who will overlook any shortcomings in the company's financial reporting. Opinion shopping is prohibited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)." (Investopedia).
But the term is certainly used in wider contexts within UK government circles.
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
add a comment |
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1 Answer
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1 Answer
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active
oldest
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active
oldest
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The term that fits the case is "opinion-shopping". There are online definitions that seem to restrict the use to audit and accountancy:
"Opinion shopping is a dubious practice that involves finding an auditor who will overlook any shortcomings in the company's financial reporting. Opinion shopping is prohibited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)." (Investopedia).
But the term is certainly used in wider contexts within UK government circles.
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
add a comment |
The term that fits the case is "opinion-shopping". There are online definitions that seem to restrict the use to audit and accountancy:
"Opinion shopping is a dubious practice that involves finding an auditor who will overlook any shortcomings in the company's financial reporting. Opinion shopping is prohibited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)." (Investopedia).
But the term is certainly used in wider contexts within UK government circles.
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
add a comment |
The term that fits the case is "opinion-shopping". There are online definitions that seem to restrict the use to audit and accountancy:
"Opinion shopping is a dubious practice that involves finding an auditor who will overlook any shortcomings in the company's financial reporting. Opinion shopping is prohibited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)." (Investopedia).
But the term is certainly used in wider contexts within UK government circles.
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
The term that fits the case is "opinion-shopping". There are online definitions that seem to restrict the use to audit and accountancy:
"Opinion shopping is a dubious practice that involves finding an auditor who will overlook any shortcomings in the company's financial reporting. Opinion shopping is prohibited by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)." (Investopedia).
But the term is certainly used in wider contexts within UK government circles.
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
answered Mar 22 at 22:54
JeremyCJeremyC
2,555313
2,555313
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Asking only for an idiom is not helpful. What has your research found?
– lbf
Jun 1 '18 at 16:22
We've had a number of cases in recent years where various EU member countries have had to hold repeat referendums because they gave the "wrong" answer. If there'd been a pre-existing well-known term (idiomatic or otherwise), I think it would have been widely publicised by the disgruntled. But nothing comers to mind, so I think maybe we don't have a "standard" way of expressing the situation (which can apply in many contexts).
– FumbleFingers
Jun 1 '18 at 16:28
1
Ragfrack suggests 'If you don't like the answer, change the question' (with the meaning 'If you don't like the answer, ask the question in a way more likely to give an answer you prefer.) The Dilbert cartoon loosely covering such obscurantism that they provide is marvellous.
– Edwin Ashworth
Jun 1 '18 at 16:47
It's not clear if you're asking for (1) something that describes "coercive" behaviour (asking something repeatedly in order to wear down the person answering), (2) something that describes the logical fallacy of thinking that desire or repetition can change an outcome, (3) something that represents the emotional state of the person who won't accept an answer because they don't like it, or (4) something else.
– Jason Bassford
Jun 1 '18 at 18:04
Children (and adults) drink when they are thirsty. They don't have to be told to do so. This is part of human physiology. ( And the current fad of carrying water bottles around in Northern Europe for fear of dehydration is idiotic in the extreme.)
– David
Jun 1 '18 at 22:09