bite off more than one can chew

phrase

: to undertake more than one can handle

Word History

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bite off more than one can chew was in 1877

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bite off

bite off more than one can chew

bite one's tongue

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Style

“Bite off more than one can chew.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bite%20off%20more%20than%20one%20can%20chew. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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bite off more than one can chew

phrase

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