Bite off more than you can chew
phrase
To take on a task or responsibility that is too big or difficult.
John was excited to start his own business, but he quickly realized that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
Often appears as...
- realize you've bitten off more than you can chew
- bite off more than you can chew by taking on
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To take on a task or responsibility that is too big or difficult.
John was excited to start his own business, but he quickly realized that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
Often appears as...
- realize you've bitten off more than you can chew
- bite off more than you can chew by taking on
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is used metaphorically to describe overcommitting, not literally chewing.
Getting into three sports at once, she's bitten off more than she can chew.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It suggests a negative outcome from taking on too much.
He bit off more than he could chew and missed all his project deadlines.
Pro Tip 3/3Use with Caution
Avoid using this phrase in formal or professional contexts as it can seem informal.
In the meeting, I didn't say he'd bitten off more than he could chew.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is used metaphorically to describe overcommitting, not literally chewing.
Getting into three sports at once, she's bitten off more than she can chew.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It suggests a negative outcome from taking on too much.
He bit off more than he could chew and missed all his project deadlines.
Pro Tip 3/3Use with Caution
Avoid using this phrase in formal or professional contexts as it can seem informal.
In the meeting, I didn't say he'd bitten off more than he could chew.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is used metaphorically to describe overcommitting, not literally chewing.
Getting into three sports at once, she's bitten off more than she can chew.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
It suggests a negative outcome from taking on too much.
He bit off more than he could chew and missed all his project deadlines.
Pro Tip 3/3Use with Caution
Avoid using this phrase in formal or professional contexts as it can seem informal.
In the meeting, I didn't say he'd bitten off more than he could chew.
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