What does “bait” mean in English?

Bait is something you use to attract an animal so you can catch it. A fisherman puts a worm on a hook as bait. The word also works for people: if someone tempts you into a trap, they use you as bait, or they “bait” you. It is a short word with a clear picture: something attractive hides something dangerous.

The story ends with a twist: the rich man sees a beautiful woman on a rock, but she “was bait for the sea monster.” She was never real, only a lure to bring him closer. The same idea gives us clickbait, an exciting headline that makes you click a link. Do not confuse it with bite, which is what the fish does.