Bite your nails Meaning in English
expression
ˈbaɪt/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈneɪɫz
BYT yer NAYLZ
bˈaɪt/ /jˈɔː/ /nˈeɪlz
BYT yaw NAYLZ
Definition
To chew on your fingernails, usually because you're nervous, bored, or anxious.
Usage & Nuances
Usually refers to a nervous habit. Common in the form "stop biting your nails". Not literal (no biting others' nails). Can signal stress or anxiety.
Spanish: morderte las uñasPortuguese (BR): roer as unhas - morder as unhasPortuguese (PT): roer as unhas - morder as unhasChinese (Simplified): 咬指甲Chinese (Traditional): 咬指甲Hindi: अपने नाखून चबानाArabic: قضم أظافركBengali: নখ দাঁত দিয়ে কাটানোRussian: грызть ногтиJapanese: 爪を噛むVietnamese: cắn móng tayKorean: 손톱을 물어뜯다Turkish: tırnak yemekUrdu: ناخن چباناIndonesian: cắn móng tay
Example Sentences
Try not to bite your nails during the test.
basic
Children often bite their nails when they're nervous.
basic
He started to bite his nails out of boredom.
basic
It's hard to stop if you always bite your nails when stressed.
natural
Whenever she watches a scary movie, she can't help but bite her nails.
natural
People sometimes bite their nails without even realizing it.
natural