This phrase literally means "Now put butter with the fish." It's used to encourage someone to get to the point, be clear, or provide concrete details. Similar to "let's get down to business" or "cards on the table."
The origin likely comes from North German cuisine where butter is served with fish dishes, particularly in Hamburg and coastal regions. The phrase suggests adding substance (butter) to something basic (fish) - metaphorically asking for substance in a conversation. Interestingly, the phrase uses incorrect grammar ("bei die Fische" instead of "bei den Fischen"), preserving its colloquial nature.
🇩🇪 – Nach langer Diskussion sagte der Chef: "Jetzt mal Butter bei die Fische! Wie viel Geld brauchen wir wirklich?" 🇬🇧 – After a long discussion, the boss said: "Let's get down to business! How much money do we really need?"