bite off
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle off
Meanings
Remove a piece of something by biting it
Why “off”? A piece detaches from the whole. Contact with the body is broken.
“He bit a chunk off the apple.”
“She bit the corner off the biscuit.”
Take on more than you can handle ("bite off more than you can chew")
“She's bitten off more than she can chew.”
“He bit off too much by taking three jobs.”
Speak sharply and curtly
Why “off”? Words or impressions come off a source and reach other people.
“"Forget it!" he bit off.”
“"Leave me alone!" she bit off.”
Don't confuse with
Bite off means remove a piece of something by biting it. Bite back means stop yourself from saying something that you really want to say.
Test yourself
“He bit a chunk off the apple.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
bite back
A contrast learners often mix up
Stop yourself from saying something that you really want to say
back off
Same off pattern: separation
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
block off
Same off pattern: separation
Close off an area or route to prevent access; Reserve a period of time for a specific purpose
blow off
Same off pattern: separation
Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them
break off
Same off pattern: separation
End a relationship, talk or activity suddenly; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; End diplomatic, business or personal contact; Take a short pause from an activity
brush off
Same off pattern: separation
Dismiss something or someone as unimportant; Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly; Refuse to talk to someone politely
chip off
Same off pattern: separation
Break a small piece from something
clear off
Same off pattern: separation
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay off a debt completely
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