fish or cut bait

The phrase "fish or cut bait" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the context of fishing. It means to make a decision and take action or, more specifically, to either actively engage in an activity or give up on it and move on. It suggests that one should either participate wholeheartedly and contribute to a situation or withdraw and abandon it altogether. It encourages individuals to choose between taking decisive action or stepping aside to allow others to proceed.