grab-a-bite
/ˌɡræb ə ˈbaɪt/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
to eat a small meal or snack quickly and informally. It is often used when you do not have time for a full meal.
- Let's grab a bite before the movie.
- I grabbed a bite during my break.
- We can grab a bite after work.
Adinary Nuance
Grab-a-bite is more casual than eat, have lunch, or dine. People use it for a quick, easy meal, not for a formal dinner. It sounds natural in speech, messages, and everyday plans. It is less specific than have breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ăn nhẹ
- Spanish
- comer algo
- Chinese
- 吃点东西
- Japanese
- 軽く食べる
- Korean
- 간단히 먹다
Etymology
This phrase comes from the informal English use of "grab" for eating or getting something quickly, plus "a bite" meaning a small amount of food. It became common in modern spoken English.
Common phrases
grab a bitegrab a bite to eatgrab a quick bitegrab a bite with friends
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is grab a bite formal or informal?
- It is informal. Use it in speech, texts, and casual writing.
- Is grab a bite the same as have lunch?
- Not exactly. Grab a bite means a quick, small meal. Have lunch is more specific.
- Can I use grab a bite in business English?
- Yes, but only in relaxed situations. It is not ideal for formal emails.
- Does grab a bite mean a full meal?
- Usually no. It suggests something light or quick, not a long meal.