bite in
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To start hurting or cutting into something — like when something sharp digs in.
Literal meaning: To bite inward — teeth or a sharp object cutting into a surface.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
Of something sharp or abrasive, to press into or cut into a surface painfully.
"The tight handcuffs bit in, leaving red marks on his wrists."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To begin to have a noticeable, often painful or damaging, effect.
"The winter cold really started to bite in by December, freezing the pipes solid."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Relatively uncommon. Used when describing something sharp, cold, or corrosive that begins to penetrate or take effect — for example, a wire biting in, or frost biting in. Often interchangeable with 'bite into' in these contexts.
Commonly used with
wire cold frost acid rope edge
Forms
Base
bite in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bites in
he/she/it
Past simple
bited in
yesterday
Past participle
bited in
have + pp
-ing form
biting in
continuous
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