Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—B

Bite

A cheat; one who bites us. “The biter bit” explains the origin. We say “a man was bitten” when he “burns his fingers” meddling with something which promised well but turned out a failure.

To bite the dust,
as “Their enemies shall bite the dust,” i.e. be slain in battle.

Bite

To bite one's thumb at another. To insult; to provoke to a quarrel.

“Gregory. I will frown as I pass by: and let them take it as they list.”

“Sampson. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them; which is a disgrace to them, if they bear it.” —Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, i. 1.

To bite the lip,
indicative of suppressed chagrin, passion, or annoyance.

“She had to bite her lips till the blood came in order to keep down the angry words that would rise in her heart.” —Mrs. Gaskell: Mary Barton, chap. xi.

To bite upon the bridle.
To champ the bit, like an impatient or restless horse.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Bitelas
Bit
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Bite from Fact Monster:

  • bites and stings - bites and stings: bites and stings: see first aid.
  • first aid: Bites and Stings - Bites and Stings Symptoms: Wound (animal or human bite) or swelling and pain (insect sting). ...
  • first aid - first aid first aid, immediate and temporary treatment of a victim of sudden illness or injury ...
  • Canine Cops - All About Detector Dogs Taking a Bite Out of Crime Send this Page to a Friend! How long has the ...
  • Postal Workers Bitten by Dogs, by District - Postal Workers Bitten by Dogs 2001–2006 The U.S. Postal Service reported that 3,184 postal ...

Related Content