rising to the bait
Reacting as intended
Rising to the bait means reacting to a provocation or temptation, often in a way that is intended by the provoker: He couldn't help rising to the bait during the argument.
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- provocationAct that triggers response
- hook line and sinkerCompletely and without reservation
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- regretSorrow over past actions
frustration · impulsiveness · gullibility · falling for it · conflict · manipulation · trap set · humiliation · retaliation · sucker · trickery · entrapment · hotheadedness · knee jerk reaction · defensiveness · escalation · deception · goading
rising to the baitkeeping one's cool
Staying composed when provoked
biting one's tongue · water off a duck's back · counting to ten
rising to the baitplaying it cool
Affecting casual disinterest
deflecting · stonewalling · turning the tables · disengaging · walking away
rise, rises, risen, rising, riser, risers, bait, baits, baited