bite off
To use your teeth to break a piece off, OR to take on too much of something.
Meanings
To remove a piece of something by biting and pulling it away.
"She bit off a small piece of the dark chocolate and let it melt on her tongue."
To take on or attempt more than one is capable of handling (usually in the phrase 'bite off more than one can chew').
"He bit off more than he could chew when he agreed to run three committees at the same time."
"We've bitten off more than we can chew."
— Commonly attributed usage; widely cited in business and political contexts, including by various U.S. senators during Congressional debates
The literal sense is straightforward and physical. The figurative sense almost always appears in the fixed expression 'bite off more than one can chew.' The expression 'bite someone's head off' is a related but distinct idiom meaning to respond very angrily.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "bite off" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "bite off" on Looplines