Meaning
"Bite Off More Than You Can Chew"는 영어 관용구로, 자신의 역량이나 능력을 넘어서는 일을 시도하거나 맡는 상황을 의미합니다. 즉, 더 큰 책임이나 업무를 감당할 수 없을 때 사용하는 표현입니다.
이 표현은 주로 누군가가 과도한 목표를 설정하거나 지나치게 많은 일을 맡았을 때 사용됩니다. 예를 들어, 한 사람이 한 번에 여러 프로젝트를 맡아 결과적으로 아무것도 제대로 완료하지 못할 때 "You have bitten off more than you can chew"라고 말할 수 있습니다. 이는 그 사람이 자신의 한계를 넘었다는 뜻입니다.
일상생활에서 "Bite Off More Than You Can Chew"를 통해 본인의 능력을 잘 파악하고, 현실적인 목표를 설정하는 것이 중요하다는 교훈을 얻을 수 있습니다. 이를 통해 자신의 역량에 맞는 책임을 지고, 과도한 부담을 피할 수 있습니다.
Example
I might have bit off more than I could chew while being a mom of two and working a full-time job.
He bit off more than he could chew when he took on a failing project.
The best advice I can give you is not to bite off more than you can chew. Pace yourself for success in your studies.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
