Phrasal verb
bite off
Definition
phrasal verb. to use your teeth to cut or remove a piece of something.
phrasal verb. To separate a portion from a larger whole using the teeth. The verb is transitive and permits the object to appear between the base verb and the particle.
Examples
“The child tries to bite off a piece of the cookie.”
“The dog managed to bite off a small piece of the toy before I could stop him.”
“The predator was able to bite off a significant portion of the carcass, carrying it away to feed its young in the safety of the den.”
Examples
simple
“The child tries to bite off a piece of the cookie.”
contextual
“The dog managed to bite off a small piece of the toy before I could stop him.”
complex
“The predator was able to bite off a significant portion of the carcass, carrying it away to feed its young in the safety of the den.”
Usage
It is frequently used when talking about food or animals eating.
Teaching tip
Focus on the literal physical action before introducing the common idiom 'bite off more than you can chew'.
Pitfall
He bit of a piece of bread.
He bit off a piece of bread.
Learners often confuse the particle 'off' with the preposition 'of' due to their similar sounds.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
bite + off + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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