get (one's) bait back
To make nearly enough money to offset what one has spent on some endeavor. Primarily heard in US. When you first start a business, it takes awhile before you get your bait back, unfortunately.
get your bait back
Just about recoup your expenditure. An old New England fisherman's expression for barely making expenses. Some who caught just enough fish to sell to compensate for the day's expenses was said to have gotten his bait back.