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Region: US | Usage example: Either sign the contract or fish or cut bait.

Fish or cut bait

Meaning

Act decisively or step aside.

Usage

Used to urge a choice between action or withdrawal.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Fishing tasks requiring action or clearing space.

Sailor slang from the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Fish out of water

Feel uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

Bigger fish to fry

More important things to deal with.

Big fish in a small pond

A person prominent in a narrow field.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.