take a bite out of
English
Verb
take a bite out of (third-person singular simple present takes a bite out of, present participle taking a bite out of, simple past took a bite out of, past participle taken a bite out of)
- To bite into something once for the purpose of eating.
- I took a bite out of the apple and immediately realized it was rotten.
- 2005, Neil Cicierega (lyrics and music), “The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny”, in Dinosaurchestra, performed by Lemon Demon:
- Godzilla took a bite out of Optimus Prime
- (idiomatic) To reduce something by removing or completing part or all of it.
- The police took a bite out of crime in the area.
- I took a bite out of my homework today.
- 2005, Neil Cicierega (lyrics and music), “The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny”, in Dinosaurchestra, performed by Lemon Demon:
- Like Scruff McGruff took a bite out of crime
Related terms
- take a bite