bite off more than one can chew — To take on a task or responsibility that is too big or difficult for one to handle successfully
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To take on a task or responsibility that is too big or difficult for one to handle successfully
Pronunciation (IPA): /baɪt ɔːf mɔːr ðæn wʌn kæn tʃuː/
Example Sentences
- He decided to run a marathon, learn Spanish, and start a business all in the same month—classic case of biting off more than he could chew.
- My cat tried to eat the whole fish in one bite—she really bit off more than she could chew, literally.
- Before you volunteer for three committees, make sure you're not biting off more than you can chew.
bite off more than one can chew
VERB[/baɪt ɔːf mɔːr ðæn wʌn kæn tʃuː/]
To take on a task or responsibility that is too big or difficult for one to handle successfully
He tried to bite off more than one can chew by taking six classes.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Originated in 19th-century American English, likely from the literal act of biting off a piece of chewing tobacco too large to chew comfortably.
Breakdown
bite off (to tear away with teeth) + more than (a comparison of excess) + one can chew (the limit of one's ability to process)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“He decided to run a marathon, learn Spanish, and start a business all in the same month—classic case of biting off more than he could chew.”
“My cat tried to eat the whole fish in one bite—she really bit off more than she could chew, literally.”
“Before you volunteer for three committees, make sure you're not biting off more than you can chew.”
“Starting a startup while working full-time and raising a baby? That's definitely biting off more than most people can chew.”
📚Related Words
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