To bring the house down

KkTo bite off more than you can chew

A crocodile eats meat in a pond in San Manuel. Photo: Orlando Sierra/AFP

Today's Phrase

If you bite off more than you can chew, you try to do more than you are able to do.

For example:

I have bitten off more than I can chew by taking on this extra work – I don't think I'll get it finished on time.

Thanks for offering to babysit and cook dinner for us, but don't bite off more than you can chew.

Don't confuse it with

If you cry crocodile tears, you show fake sadness.

Louise is crying in the corner because she says the boss upset her – don't pay any attention to her, though – they're just crocodile tears.

Interesting fact

Each crocodile has 24 teeth in its powerful jaws, which are constantly replaced throughout its life. However, these teeth are designed to grab and crush prey, rather than chew it. The reptiles swallow stones, which grind up food in their stomachs.

To bring the house down

People watch an installation of an upside-down house in Lille. Photo: Phillipe Huguen/AFP

Today's Phrase

If somebody brings the house down, they get overwhelming applause or approval from an audience.

For example:

I went to see Lady Gaga in concert last night - she really brought the house down.

David brought the house down at the party by telling some really funny jokes.

Don't confuse it with

If something is given to you on the house, it is free.

You're one of our best customers - have this coffee on the house!