Fishbowl

A transparent, typically spherical glass container used to house fish, often goldfish, and other small aquatic creatures. Metaphorically, it can refer to a situation of heightened scrutiny, transparency, or limited perspective, where individuals or activities are easily observed and may feel exposed or constrained. It can represent a small, insular environment, such as a confined office, a tightly-knit social group, or a controlled experiment, where the dynamics and inhabitants are subject to intense observation or study. The fishbowl environment limits freedom of action for people observed, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere.

Fishbowl meaning with examples

• The new CEO, used to the privacy of his old role, found the constant press attention and public commentary after his appointment to the company felt like being in a fishbowl. He struggled to find the right level of transparency.
• The contestants on the reality TV show lived in a fishbowl, their every move documented for the viewing public. The constant surveillance led to heightened emotions and strategic behavior.
• The small town, with its limited gossip and constant scrutiny of the local population, could often feel like a fishbowl where everyone knew everyone else's business and this constant observation made some residents uncomfortable.
• The lab experiment involved placing the subject in a simulated fishbowl environment to study their reactions to a controlled level of light and social interaction, observing their behaviour.
• After the scandal, the politician was forced to conduct all his meetings in public view. His office felt like a fishbowl with advisors and the media constantly assessing his every decision.