'钓鱼执法' (diào yú zhí fǎ) is a vivid Chinese idiom literally meaning 'fishing for law enforcement.' It describes a deceptive law enforcement tactic where authorities or their agents deliberately lure individuals into committing an illegal act—often by posing as ordinary citizens—so they can then arrest or penalize them. The term uses the metaphor of fishing: just as a fisherman baits a hook to catch fish, officials 'bait' people with opportunities to break the law (e.g., offering to buy smuggled goods or soliciting fake taxi services).

This phrase carries strong negative connotations and is commonly used in media and public discourse to criticize unethical policing practices that undermine due process and fairness. It emerged prominently in discussions about traffic law enforcement, street vendor regulation, and anti-prostitution campaigns in urban China. While not a formal legal term, it reflects widespread societal concern about procedural justice and government overreach.