Takes the bait is an expression used to describe someone who is easily persuaded or tricked into doing something. In this crossword, the solutions BITES (5 letters), REACTS (6 letters), and FALLSFOR (8 letters) all refer to this phrase. BITES implies that the person is quick to take the bait, REACTS suggests that they act on it without thinking, and FALLSFOR implies that they are easily fooled. Taken together, these solutions suggest that someone has been easily tricked into doing something.