take a bite out of
To reduce something by removing or completing part or all of it.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“These high taxes really take a bite out of my monthly paycheck.”
“The new marketing campaign started to take a bite out of our competitor's market share within just a few weeks.”
“Although the unexpected legal fees took a significant bite out of the company's annual profits, the board remained optimistic about future growth.”
- 01
all bark and no bite
Full of big talk but lacking action, power, or substance; pretentious.
- 02
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 03
bite me
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
- 04
bite my ass
Go away!; an expression of disdain or dismissal.
- 05
bite my shiny metal ass
An expression of discontent or aggravation to another party.
- 06
bite of the cherry
A chance; an attempt at something, especially something that can or should only be done once.
- 07
bite of the reality sandwich
A wake-up call, a reality check.
- 08
bite off
To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility, especially one which presents challenges.
Last updated August 10, 2026