cut bait
To give up on something in order to pursue something else.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This project is failing, so it is time to cut bait.”
“The investment was losing money every month, so we decided to cut bait and move our capital elsewhere.”
“Realizing that the current strategy would never yield the desired results, the board chose to cut bait and pivot toward a more sustainable long-term vision.”
- 01
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 02
cut a dash
To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.
- 03
cut a deal
To reach a negotiated agreement.
- 04
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 05
cut a rug
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
- 06
cut a swath
Alternative form of cut a wide swath.
- 07
cut a wide swath
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
- 08
cut about
To go around (move from person to person).
Last updated August 10, 2026