THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Bite off more than you can chew
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To take on a task or amount of work that is more difficult than you can manage.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Do not bite off more than you can chew by signing up for five evening courses.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Do not ________ by signing up for five evening courses.
Show the answer
Bite off more than you can chew — To take on a task or amount of work that is more difficult than you can manage.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Bite off more than you can chew” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To take on a task or amount of work that is more difficult than you can manage.
Compare: Do not bite off more than you can chew by signing up for five evening courses.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this informal expression when someone accepts more responsibility than their time, skills or resources allow. It can be a friendly warning, but direct criticism may sound judgemental.
More examples in context
- I bit off more than I could chew when I agreed to organise the whole event alone.
- She is careful not to bite off more than she can chew during exam week.
Usage note
Change the pronouns and verb forms to match the person and time: I bit off more than I could chew. The problem is taking on too much, not simply working hard on a manageable task.
A short conversation
A: I promised to edit every chapter by tomorrow.
B: Have you bitten off more than you can chew?
A: I think so. I need to ask for a realistic deadline.
One more practice question
Which person has bitten off more than they can chew?
A. A volunteer accepts three large jobs and cannot manage the workload.
B. A volunteer accepts one small job and finishes it comfortably.
Check your answer
A. The person has accepted more work than they can manage. Finishing a manageable task comfortably does not fit.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.