bite off

== English == === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈbaɪˌtɒf/ (Conservative RP) IPA(key): /ˈbaɪˌtɔːf/ === Verb === bite off (third-person singular simple present bites off, present participle biting off, simple past bit off, past participle bitten off) To bite so hard as to remove something from its source. (transitive, idiomatic, sometimes followed by on) To accept or commit oneself to a task, project, notion, or responsibility, especially one which presents challenges. (transitive, idiomatic) To acquire, especially in an abrupt or forceful manner. 1997, Anthony Spaeth, "And Here the Twain Shall Meet," Time, Special Issue—Hong Kong 1997: To thicken that buffer zone Britain joined other powers in biting off larger chunks of China. ==== Synonyms ==== (accept or commit oneself to a task, etc): accept, attempt, tackle, undertake (acquire, especially abruptly or forcefully): appropriate (verb), grab ==== Derived terms ==== bite off more than one can chew ==== Translations ====