[Idiom] BITE OFF MORE THAN CAN BE CHEWED. - Learn How Overcommitment Can Backfire

Take on a task that is too difficult.

To "bite off more than one can chew" means taking on a task or responsibility that is too much for one to manage. The idiom likely comes from the literal act of biting off a piece of food so large it cannot be chewed comfortably. In real-life applications, this expression is often used when someone has overestimated their capacity or resources, leading to overwhelming situations. It serves as a cautionary tale to assess one's abilities and available resources before committing to new tasks or projects. Understanding this idiom can help individuals avoid overcommitment and manage their responsibilities more effectively.

Example Sentences

1. He bit off more than he could chew.

   He underestimated the complexity or difficulty of the task he took on.

2. She often bites off more than she can chew.

   She frequently takes on more responsibilities or tasks than she is capable of managing.

3. Taking on the two projects at the same time, she definitely bit off more than she could chew.

   By accepting two projects simultaneously, she took on more responsibilities than she could handle comfortably.