What does “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” mean?

"Eyes are bigger than one's stomach" means that someone has taken more food than they can actually eat.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I always end up wasting food because my eyes are bigger than my stomach.

Example

He piled his plate high with food, but his eyes were bigger than his stomach and he couldn't finish it all.

Example

I need to remember not to order too much at the restaurant - my eyes are always bigger than my stomach

Is “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” effectively in context?

You can use "Eyes are bigger than one's stomach" to describe a situation where someone takes more food than they can actually eat. It emphasizes the idea of overestimating one's appetite or being overly ambitious when it comes to food. For example, if a friend fills their plate with a large portion of food but ends up wasting it because they can't finish it, you might say, 'Looks like your eyes were bigger than your stomach.'

1Food
She always ends up wasting food because her eyes are bigger than her stomach.
2Restaurant
He piled his plate high with food, but his eyes were bigger than his stomach and he couldn't finish it all.
3Self-control
I need to remember not to order too much at the restaurant - my eyes are always bigger than my stomach.

Similar phrases to “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach”:

Bite off more than one can chew

To take on more responsibilities or tasks than one can handle

Example

He bit off more than he could chew by agreeing to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

Put one's foot in one's mouth

To say something embarrassing or foolish

Example

She put her foot in her mouth by accidentally insulting her boss.

Jump the gun

To start or do something too soon, without waiting for the appropriate time

Example

They jumped the gun by announcing the product before it was ready.

Count one's chickens before they hatch

To make plans or assumptions based on events that may not happen

Example

He counted his chickens before they hatched by buying a new car before receiving his bonus.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Eyes are bigger than one's stomach" is unknown.

Is “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Eyes are bigger than one's stomach" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to describe situations where someone takes more than they can handle or consume.

What tone does “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” have?

"Eyes are bigger than one's stomach" conveys a tone of caution or self-awareness. It's often used in a lighthearted manner to gently remind someone not to overestimate their capacity or abilities.

Can “Eyes are bigger than one's stomach” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Eyes are bigger than one's stomach" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of overestimating one's capabilities. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She piled her plate high, but her eyes were bigger than her stomach.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'My eyes are always bigger than my stomach!' to acknowledge a tendency to take more than one can handle.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

overestimate one's abilities
take on too much
be overly ambitious
bite off more than one can chew
be too optimistic

Antonyms

underestimate one's abilities
take on too little
be overly cautious
play it safe