takes the bait
Swallows the hook
Takes the bait means to fall for a trap or provocation.
The image comes from fishing—a fish that takes the bait gets hooked.
Someone who takes the bait responds exactly as the provocateur intended: I tried to stay calm but took the bait when he insulted my family.
Often used when someone is goaded into an argument or foolish action they'd otherwise avoid.
Attracted by enticement
- temptedInclined to yield
- hookedDeeply dependent or bent
- seducedLed astray romantically
- alluredPowerfully attracted
drawn in · attracted · captivated · enticed · coaxed · persuaded · charmed · tantalized
Deceived into believing
- fooledLed to believe falsely
- trickedMisled by cunning
- hoodwinkedTricked into believing falsely
- connedDeceived for gain
swindled · misled · bamboozled · suckered · cheated · defrauded · outwitted · fleeced
Innocently unsuspecting
- credulousProne to blind trust
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- trustingInclined to believe others
- unwaryWithout due caution
green · ingenuous · impressionable · unquestioning · easily fooled · born yesterday · wet behind the ears · simple
Curved catching device
Controlled performing figure
- pawnUnwitting tool of another
- usedAlready been employed
- exploitedUnfairly utilized for benefit
- playedEngaged in recreation
controlled · manipulated · strung along · led on · set up · worked over · handled · maneuvered
lured
Attracted by enticement
drawn in · allured · attracted · captivated · enticed · coaxed · persuaded · charmed · tantalized · inveigled
duped
Deceived into believing
- fooledLed to believe falsely
- trickedMisled by cunning
- hoodwinkedTricked into believing falsely
conned · swindled · misled · bamboozled · suckered · cheated · defrauded · outwitted · fleeced · hoaxed
naive
Innocently unsuspecting
- credulousProne to blind trust
- unsuspectingNot anticipating danger
- trustingInclined to believe others
unwary · green · ingenuous · impressionable · unquestioning · easily fooled · born yesterday · wet behind the ears · simple · guileless
hook
Curved catching device
angler · catch · reel · cast · line · rod · sinker · fly · tackle · strike
puppet
Controlled performing figure
played · controlled · manipulated · strung along · led on · set up · worked over · handled · maneuvered
mark
Visible impression or sign
target · fall guy · pigeon · easy mark · prey · chump · stooge · mug · sitting duck · soft touch
snare
Device for catching prey
- decoyFalse target for misdirection
- entrapmentDefense against induced criminality
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
pitfall · net · setup · sting · honeypot · mousetrap · tripwire · booby trap · web · deadfall