Meaning
"Bite Off More Than You Can Chew"とは、直訳すると「噛み切れる以上のものを噛む」という意味です。この表現は、自分の能力や時間を超える量の仕事や責任を引き受けてしまうことを指します。
例えば、新しいプロジェクトが始まるときに、他のタスクも抱えているのに更に多くの責任を負うことを決めた場合、それは "Bite Off More Than You Can Chew" していると言えます。無理をしすぎて、結局は全てをこなすことができずに失敗する可能性がある状況です。
この表現は、特に計画を立てる際や、自分の限界を知ることの重要性を示すときに使われます。何かを始める前に、自分が本当にそれを完了できるかどうかを考え、無理をしないようにすることが大切です。
日常生活やビジネスシーンで、自分の力量を超えた挑戦をする際の警告として、この表現が役立つでしょう。
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!
