To take the bait means to react when someone tries to provoke, trick, or tempt you. It often means replying to something that was meant to start an argument or pull you into a trap.
The phrase comes from fishing. A fish bites bait on a hook because it looks safe, but the hook is hidden by the bait.
The phrase comes from fishing. A fish bites bait on a hook because it looks safe, but the hook is hidden by the bait.
He was trying to start a fight online, but I did not take the bait.