Don't bite off more than you can chew Meaning in English

expression

US

DOHNT BYTE AWF MOR THAN yoo kan CHOO

UK

DOHNT BYTE OFF MAW THAN yoo KAN CHOO

Definition

This expression means you should not try to do more than you are able to handle. It warns against taking on too many tasks or responsibilities at once.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, common warning in spoken English. Often used to advise someone not to overcommit or to be realistic about their limits. Similar to 'don't overextend yourself'. Frequently used with work, school, or projects.

• Spanish: no muerdas más de lo que puedes masticar
• Portuguese (BR): não dê um passo maior que a perna - não morda mais do que pode mastigar
• Portuguese (PT): não dês um passo maior do que a perna - não mordas mais do que consegues mastigar
• Chinese (Simplified): 不要贪多嚼不烂
• Chinese (Traditional): 不要貪多嚼不爛
• Hindi: ज़्यादा मत लो जितना सम्भाल सको
• Arabic: لا تلتزم بأكثر مما تستطيع تحمله
• Bengali: নিজের সামর্থ্যের চেয়ে বেশি নেবেন না - নিজের নাগালের বাইরে কিছু না করা
• Russian: не бери на себя больше, чем можешь потянуть
• Japanese: 自分の限界以上に引き受けないで
• Vietnamese: đừng ôm đồm quá sức
• Korean: 감당할 수 있는 것보다 더 많이 떠맡지 마라
• Turkish: boyundan büyük işlere kalkışma
• Urdu: اپنی سکت سے زیادہ ذمہ داری نہ لیں
• Indonesian: jangan mengambil lebih dari yang bisa kamu tangani

Example Sentences

Don't bite off more than you can chew when choosing classes for next semester.

basic

My mom always says, 'Don't bite off more than you can chew' when I try to do too many things at once.

basic

If you join every club, you might bite off more than you can chew.

basic

Honestly, I think you're biting off more than you can chew with all these side projects.

natural

You took three jobs at once? Man, don't bite off more than you can chew!

natural

She loves helping others, but sometimes she bites off more than she can chew and gets exhausted.

natural