Biting Off More Than I Can Chew

"I thought signing up for a new class would be easy. A couple of hours a week, right? Well, turns out I bit off more than I could chew. The assignments kept piling up, and before I knew it, I was drowning in deadlines. My friends asked me to hang out, but I just shook my head. I had no choice but to put my nose to the grindstone and power through."

Question: What does “bit off more than I could chew” mean in this context?

PIE PROMPTS

1. Pronunciation

• Listen to the audio and repeat or use it as a guide while you read the story. Focus on “bit off more than I could chew” and emphasize the rhythm.

2. Intonation

• Sentence: “Well, turns out I bit off more than I could chew.”

• Intonation variations:

• “Well… turns out I bit off more than I could chew.” (Stressing well adds a tone of realization or surprise.)

• “Well, turns out I bit off more than I could chew.” (Stressing I emphasizes personal responsibility.)

• “Well, turns out I bit off more than I could chew.” (Stressing chew highlights the overwhelming task.)

3. Expression

• Idiom: Bit off more than I could chew means taking on more work or responsibility than you can handle.

• Use this idiom: When you are overwhelmed by a task or responsibility you thought would be easier.