To choose between taking action now, or forgoing the opportunity and putting that energy into another endeavor; to decide; do something constructive, but don't just do nothing
Etymology:
- Since 19th century, this idiom was much popular, actually it is a metaphor, which describes a person who has a fishing rod in his hand, but he does not do any fishing. If the same rod is given to someone else he might catch one. The dawdler might be asked to drop his rod in water for fishing or he must cut the bait line so that someone else is given a chance to finally catch a fish.
- 451 Views
“
It's time to fish or cut bait: either we buy this house now, or we must start looking for another one.
Submitted on September 01, 2009
Modified by TriplePurple on July 31, 2024
Additional definitions for 'fish or cut bait':
| Fish or Cut Bait | Either do something or let others do without delaying, to finally make a choice |
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ловить рыбу или нарезать наживку
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Nearby phrases
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"fish or cut bait." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/fish-or-cut-bait_3626>.
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