# walk and chew gum at the same time

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/walk-and-chew-gum-at-the-same-time
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do two normally trivial tasks at the same time; to exhibit basic competence or task-management skills.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.