fish or cut bait
Meaning
Make a decision and act: either keep trying or stop wasting time and quit.
Origin
From fishing: if you’re not going to keep fishing, stop fiddling with the bait and let others use the spot/time. By the early–mid 20th century it became a figurative push to decide and proceed.
Notes
A fairly blunt prompt to stop stalling—either commit and proceed or quit. Often used in business or negotiations; can sound impatient.
Examples
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We’ve been talking about this expansion for months—either fish or cut bait and make a decision.
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If you’re not going to apply for the job, fish or cut bait so we can move on with the hiring process.
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The investors want to see whether we’ll fish or cut bait before they commit more funding.
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Stop holding the team back; fish or cut bait and tell us if you’re in or out.
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I gave him one week to fish or cut bait on the offer, and then I called the next candidate.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed form: typically imperative (“Fish or cut bait.”). Can be embedded as a clause (“It’s time to fish or cut bait.”). Minor variants exist (“fish or cut bait time”), but the core wording is stable.
Synonyms
- make up your mind
- decide
- shit or get off the pot
- put up or shut up
Antonyms
- stall
- dither
- drag your feet