Meaning: To take on a task too difficult or large to handle
Hindi: अपनी क्षमता से अधिक काम हाथ में लेना
Synonyms: overreach, overcommit, overextend
Asked in: SSC CPO 2024 T-1 · SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 · SSC MTS 2023 · SSC CGL 2021 T-1
bite off more than one can chew in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
I sometimes accept excess work to please my manager, so I take more responsibilities than one can manage.Answer & explanation
Answer: D) bite off more than I can chew
The most appropriate idiom to substitute the underlined segment is:
bite off more than I can chew
This idiom means to take on more responsibility or tasks than one is capable of handling, which perfectly matches the meaning of the sentence.
The other options are not suitable:
• Hear it straight from the horse’s mouth means to hear something directly from the source, not relevant to the context.
• Burn my boats means to make a decision that cannot be undone, unrelated to the sentence.
• Get a taste of my own medicine means to experience the same negative treatment one has given to others, which doesn’t apply here.
So, the correct idiom is bite off more than I can chew. - SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiomatic expression that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.:
It feels like I made a promise of more than my ability when I promised to complete this worksheet in one day.
(SSC CHSL 2024 T-1 (02-July Shift 4))Answer & explanation
Answer: A) bit off more than I could chew
The correct answer is: bit off more than I could chew
Explanation:
The idiomatic expression "bit off more than I could chew" means to take on more responsibility or a task that is beyond one's capacity to handle. This fits the context of the sentence where the speaker feels they promised to do more than they could manage.
Options Analysis:
• Bit off more than I could chew: Correct, as it matches the context of overpromising or overestimating one's ability.
• Beat my brain out: Incorrect, as it means to exert oneself mentally, which is not relevant here.
• Beat the drum: Incorrect, as it means to publicize or promote something, which doesn't apply here.
• Burnt a hole in my pocket: Incorrect, - SSC MTS 2023 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank.
Jack took on three jobs at once but soon realised he had _____________.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) bitten off more than he could chew
The most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank is: bitten off more than he could chew
The sentence would then read: "Jack took on three jobs at once but soon realized he had bitten off more than he could chew." This idiom is used to convey that someone has taken on a task or responsibility that is too big or difficult to handle. - SSC CGL 2021 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the option that gives the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
I am working on too many projects. I think I have bitten off more than I can chew.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) To take on more than one can handle
Explanation:
The idiom “bitten off more than I can chew” means that someone has taken on too many tasks or responsibilities, more than they are actually capable of managing comfortably (अपने सामर्थ्य से अधिक काम ले लेना, ज़िम्मेदारियों का बोझ ज़्यादा उठा लेना).
The speaker is admitting that they are overwhelmed with too much work — clearly a case of taking on more than they can handle.
❌ Why other options are incorrect:
• Not able to finish work – May be a result, but not the actual meaning of the idiom
• To find work dull – Unrelated
• To be happy to multitask – Opposite meaning
✅ Therefore, the most appropriate meaning of the idiom is: To take on more than one can handle.
Examples
- “He bit off more than he could chew by accepting three projects at once.”
bite off more than one can chew – questions
What is the meaning of bite off more than one can chew in Hindi?
bite off more than one can chew means “अपनी क्षमता से अधिक काम हाथ में लेना” in Hindi. In English: To take on a task too difficult or large to handle
What are the synonyms of bite off more than one can chew?
Synonyms of bite off more than one can chew: overreach, overcommit, overextend.
Has bite off more than one can chew been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – bite off more than one can chew has been asked 4 times in SSC exams: SSC CPO 2024 T-1, SSC CHSL 2024 T-1, SSC MTS 2023, SSC CGL 2021 T-1.