walk and chew gum at the same time
To do two normally trivial tasks at the same time; to exhibit basic competence or task-management skills.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He cannot even walk and chew gum at the same time.”
“The new manager struggles to answer emails and talk on the phone, as if he cannot walk and chew gum at the same time.”
“Critics argued that the candidate lacked the basic focus required to govern, suggesting he could not walk and chew gum at the same time.”
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a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 02
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 03
any time now
Very soon.
- 04
any time soon
soon
- 05
ball and Chalk
[Cockney slang]walk
- 06
better luck next time
Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.
- 07
bide one's time
To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.
- 08
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.
Last updated August 10, 2026