bite back: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “bite back” mean?
To retaliate or respond sharply, often to criticism or provocation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To retaliate or respond sharply, often to criticism or provocation.
To control or suppress an emotional reaction, such as words or tears. Figuratively, for an issue or problem to have negative repercussions later.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Used with similar frequency and meaning in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in media/political discourse for retaliatory speech.
Frequency
Comparably frequent. No significant regional preference.
Grammar
How to Use “bite back” in a Sentence
[sb] bites back (at [sb/sth])[sb] bites back [sth] (e.g., tears/words)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bite back” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister bit back fiercely during the press conference.
- She bit back the sharp retort that sprang to her lips.
American English
- The senator bit back at the reporter's insinuation.
- He had to bite back his frustration during the negotiation.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The CEO bit back at the shareholders' accusations during the AGM."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; more likely in political science/history narratives describing reactions.
Everyday
"I had to bite back a sarcastic comment when he gave his excuse."
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bite back”
- Using it transitively without an object for the suppress sense: *'She bit back' (unclear). Correct: 'She bit back her tears'.
- Confusing 'bite back' with 'bite one's tongue' (similar, but latter is only for suppression).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral to informal. It's common in journalism and everyday speech but less common in very formal academic or legal writing.
Yes, but it's less frequent. E.g., 'The trapped animal bit back at its captor.' The figurative senses are far more common.
They are very close synonyms. 'Bite back' can slightly emphasise a verbal or sharp, quick retort, while 'hit back' can imply a stronger, more forceful counteraction.
Use the structure: Subject + bite back + [object]. The object is usually the thing being suppressed: words, a comment, tears, a smile. E.g., 'He bit back his disappointment.'
To retaliate or respond sharply, often to criticism or provocation.
Bite back: in British English it is pronounced /baɪt bæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /baɪt bæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bite back the words”
- “The plan/decision came back to bite them”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone saying something nasty (a bite), and you immediately bite back in return.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (retaliatory sense); EMOTIONS ARE FLUIDS TO BE CONTAINED (suppressive sense).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'bite back' mean in this sentence: 'The company's short-sighted policies eventually bit back, causing a major scandal.'?