ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bite off

idiom
Meaning

To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility, especially one which presents challenges.


Examples
SIMPLE

I think you bit off more than you can handle.

CONTEXTUAL

She bit off a huge project at work, but she is working hard to finish it on time.

COMPLEX

By promising to renovate the entire house in a single month, he clearly bit off more than he could chew.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bark and no bite

    Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.

  2. 02

    bite me

    An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.

  3. 03

    bite my ass

    Go away!; an expression of disdain or dismissal.

  4. 04

    bite my shiny metal ass

    An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.

  5. 05

    bite of the cherry

    A chance; an attempt at something, especially something that can or should only be done once.

  6. 06

    bite of the reality sandwich

    A wake-up call, a reality check.

  7. 07

    bite off more than one can chew

    To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.

  8. 08

    bite one's lip

    To forcibly prevent oneself from speaking, especially in order to avoid saying something inappropriate or likely to cause a dispute.

© 2026 English Reference