Phrase Meaning: To Get a Rise Out of Someone
Like a fish rises to the bait
These words first applied to
fish rising to the bait (which is a thrill to watch if you’re on the other end of the pole). Writers on the art of angling popularized ‘the rise’ in this sense 300 years ago, and the metaphor from fly-fishing became standard English.
Just as the fish rises to the bait and is caught, the person who rises to the lure of a practical joke becomes the butt of it. At this point I’d like to also interject that this is where blond jokes come into play….raising a laugh at someone’s expense.
From its original meaning of raising a laugh at someone’s expense, the expression has been extended to include the idea of attracting attention in general.
taken from The Henry Holt Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins
Have you ever risen to take the bait? Sometimes it’s not a pretty site….
Hi Donna,
It’s funny how timely this is for me. I’m struggling with the best way to respond to an email from a friend that is just riddled with pot holes and bait! I am praying for guidance.
Have a great day!
Linda
Linda Kinsman recently posted..Wordless Wednesday- Are you serious??
Well, you’ve made me curious! Hope it all turns out well!
DonnaPerugini recently posted..Phrase Meaning: To Get a Rise Out of Someone
Haha, I don’t usually use that phrase. Great picture, though!
I heard my cousin use it recently. She said she was hoping to get a rise out of our side of the family with a picture she posted of my brother as a little kid. I think she’ll need better ‘bait’ than that!
DonnaPerugini recently posted..Sleepless in (name your city)
My parents were just here for Buggy’s birthday and my mom was CERTAINLY having fun trying to “get a rise” out of me on a few occasions!
Well, happy birthday to Buggy! Did he get his bike? Did Buggy take the bait or did he wonder what was up with Grandma?