Meaning
Thành ngữ này thường được sử dụng để cảnh báo ai đó khi họ đang có xu hướng ôm đồm quá nhiều việc. Ví dụ, nếu một sinh viên đăng ký quá nhiều môn học trong một học kỳ, người khác có thể nhắc nhở rằng sinh viên đó đang “Bite Off More Than You Can Chew”.
Sử dụng: Thành ngữ này dùng khi bạn muốn khuyên ai đó cần xem xét kỹ lưỡng khả năng của mình trước khi chấp nhận thêm trách nhiệm. Nó cũng có thể được sử dụng để tự nhắc nhở bản thân không nên quá tham lam trong việc nhận nhiệm vụ.
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!
