General
fish or cut bait
What does fish or cut bait mean?
Stop deliberating and either do the thing or make way for someone who will.
"Quit stalling—fish or cut bait."
Origin
American fishing idiom, 1800s; either fish or prepare bait, but don't just sit there.
Frequently asked questions
What does "fish or cut bait" mean?
It means stop dithering and either commit to doing something or get out of the way so someone else can. It's a call to make a decision.
Where does the phrase come from?
It's an American fishing idiom dating to the 1800s—on a boat you either fish or you cut bait to help, but you don't just sit idle.
How do I use it?
Use it to pressure someone who keeps hesitating, e.g. "We've talked about this for a month—fish or cut bait."
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