Question

By taking on that extra project, you might be biting off more than you can chew.

• A. Eating too quickly
• B. Trying to do too much
• C. Making a wise decision
• D. Showing off your skills

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Trying to do too much

Understanding the Idiom: "Biting Off More Than You Can Chew"

• This idiom means to attempt to do something that is too difficult or too much for one's capabilities or resources. It implies taking on a task, responsibility, or project that is beyond one's capacity to handle successfully.
• The phrase vividly illustrates the idea of putting too much food in one's mouth at once, making it impossible to chew or swallow effectively. This literal image translates metaphorically to undertaking an overwhelming task.

Origin and Etymology

• The idiom is believed to have originated in the 19th century, likely stemming from the literal act of a person putting too much food in their mouth to chew comfortably or safely.
• Early references suggest its use in American English, with publications from the mid-1800s featuring variations of the phrase.

Usage in Context

• The idiom is often used as a warning or a description of someone who is overly ambitious or has overestimated their abilities.
• Example: "She bit off more than she could chew when she agreed to manage two major projects simultaneously while still taking night classes."
• It highlights the potential for failure, stress, or burnout when one takes on excessive responsibilities.

Synonyms and Related Idioms

• Overreach oneself: To attempt to do more than one is capable of.
• Take on too much: A more direct way of expressing the same idea.
• Burn the candle at both ends: To work or do too much, leading to exhaustion.
• Spread oneself too thin: To be involved in too many activities, to the point of being ineffective in any of them.

Relevance for Competitive Exams

• Idioms and phrases are a crucial component of the English Language section in many competitive examinations (e.g., SSC, Banking, UPSC, MBA entrance exams).
• Questions often involve:
  • Identifying the meaning: Candidates are given an idiom and asked to choose its correct meaning from options.
  • Sentence completion: Candidates need to choose the appropriate idiom to complete a sentence.
  • Error detection: Idioms might be used incorrectly in a sentence, and candidates must identify the error.
  • Synonyms/Antonyms of idiomatic phrases: While less common, understanding the nuanced meaning helps with related vocabulary questions.
• Mastering common idioms enhances a candidate's vocabulary, comprehension, and ability to understand nuanced meanings in English passages.