bit

bit1 function word ***

A bit can be used in the following ways:

as an adverb:

We waited a bit, and then decided to go. (before an adjective or adverb):

It's a bit cold in here, isn't it?

as a pronoun:

She'd only eaten a bit before she started choking. (followed by of ):

I could use a bit of help.

Bit can also be used in many expressions referring to amounts or degrees, especially small ones.

a bit MAINLY BRITISH INFORMAL

1. ) slightly or a little:

I'm feeling a bit tired.

That was a bit stupid.

a bit more/less: The second interview was a bit less formal than the first.

2. ) a short time:

You'll have to wait a bit.

for a bit: Why don't you come and stay with us for a bit?

in a bit: I'll do it in a bit. I'm busy right now.

3. ) a small amount of something:

I'd like some sauce, but just a bit.

a bit of: I know a bit of German.

With a bit of luck we should be able to get there in time.

4. ) to a limited degree:

I used to fish a bit when I was younger.

a bit at a time BRITISH

in several small stages over a period of time

a bit of a something MAINLY BRITISH INFORMAL

used for saying that someone or something has a particular character, effect, or quality:

It appears that my letter has caused a bit of a problem.

She's always been a bit of a mystery to me.

a bit of all right BRITISH VERY INFORMAL

used for saying that you think someone is sexually attractive

a bit on the side BRITISH INFORMAL

someone you have a sexual relationship with, even though you are married or in a serious relationship with someone else

every bit as

just as:

The newly developed medication is every bit as effective as the old one.

a good/fair bit MAINLY BRITISH

a fairly large amount of something:

We've still got a fair bit to do.

a good/fair bit of: He's lost a good bit of weight, hasn't he?

it's/that's a bit much MAINLY BRITISH INFORMAL

used for saying that you think something is unfair:

Pay our own travel costs? That's a bit much, don't you think?

just a bit MAINLY BRITISH SPOKEN

used for emphasizing that something is definitely true:

She's taking it all very seriously. Just a bit!

not a bit BRITISH INFORMAL

not at all:

It's not a bit like any of the other paintings he's done.

not one (little) bit

not at all:

I don't like what you're doing one little bit.

quite a bit INFORMAL

a lot:

quite a bit of: Your car needs quite a bit of work done on it before you can drive it.

take a bit of doing MAINLY BRITISH INFORMAL

to need a lot of effort, skill, or determination to do

bit

bit 2

the past tense of bite1

bit

bit 3 [ bıt ] noun *

▸ 1 small piece/part

▸ 2 unit in computing

▸ 3 for cutting/making holes

▸ 4 for controlling a horse

▸ 5 coin/money

▸ 6 sex organs

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count MAINLY BRITISH a small piece of something:

bit of: There were bits of broken glass all over the place.

bits and pieces: The wreckage was spread over a wide area in tiny bits and pieces.

a ) MAINLY BRITISH a particular aspect of something:

In general, I like my job, but I don't enjoy the management bit.

b ) BRITISH INFORMAL a part of something:

The best bit in the film is the scene in the restaurant.

bit of: Some bits of the jigsaw puzzle are missing.

2. ) count COMPUTING the most basic unit of information that can be stored in a computer

─ compare BYTE

3. ) count a tool or part of a tool used for cutting or making holes in things

4. ) count a piece of metal put in a horse's mouth so that a rider can control it

5. ) count usually plural AMERICAN OLD-FASHIONED an amount of money worth 12½ CENTS:

two bits

a ) a sixpenny/threepenny etc. bit BRITISH INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED a coin of a particular value

6. ) bits plural BRITISH HUMOROUS a man's sex organs

bit by bit

gradually or in small stages:

I'll move my things into the apartment bit by bit.

bits and pieces INFORMAL

1. ) someone's possessions or furniture:

We have a few bits and pieces of furniture, but that's all.

2. ) small individual things:

Then there are all the other bits and pieces involved in a wedding: invitations, photos, and car rental.

do your bit BRITISH INFORMAL

to do what you can to help, or to do your part of what has to be done

to bits MAINLY BRITISH INFORMAL

1. ) into small pieces:

The vase hit the floor and was smashed to bits.

2. ) very much:

He's thrilled to bits.

I love you to bits.

=> BIT PART, BLOW1