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)

1. 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

2. (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