ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take a bite out of

idiom
Meaning

To reduce something by removing or completing part or all of it.


Examples
SIMPLE

These high taxes really take a bite out of my monthly paycheck.

CONTEXTUAL

The new marketing campaign started to take a bite out of our competitor's market share within just a few weeks.

COMPLEX

Although the unexpected legal fees took a significant bite out of the company's annual profits, the board remained optimistic about future growth.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bark and no bite

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

  2. 02

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  3. 03

    bite me

    An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.

  4. 04

    bite my ass

    Go away!; an expression of disdain or dismissal.

  5. 05

    bite my shiny metal ass

    An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.

  6. 06

    bite of the cherry

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

  7. 07

    bite of the reality sandwich

    A wake-up call, a reality check.

  8. 08

    bite off

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

Last updated April 17, 2026