What is the origin of the idiom "a piece of the action" and when to use it?

The idiom "a piece of the action" has its roots in colloquial language and is thought to have originated in the mid-20th century. It draws from the world of business and entertainment, where "the action" refers to the exciting or lucrative part of an endeavor, such as a profitable business venture or a successful event. It typically used to convey a sense of wanting to participate or benefit from an opportunity or enterprise.