fish or cut bait

phrase

: to make a choice between alternatives

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fish or cut bait was in 1855

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Cite this Entry

“Fish or cut bait.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20or%20cut%20bait. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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