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
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