ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fish or cut bait

idiom

To make a decision, especially after a period of delay; to either take action now or forgo the opportunity.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big fish

    An important person.

  2. 02

    big fish in a small pond

    One who has achieved a high rank or is highly esteemed, but only in a small, relatively unimportant, or little known location or organization.

  3. 03

    bigger fish to fry

    A much more pressing issue to attend to.

  4. 04

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  5. 05

    cold fish

    A heartless individual; a person lacking empathy and emotion.

  6. 06

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  7. 07

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

  8. 08

    cut a figure

    To present an image; to make an impression.

© 2026 English Reference