I'll bite

1 9.9

A phrase that says you are willing to hear more, often when not sure

idiom

Informal

: me interesa

If you really have a great idea, I'll bite.

Examples

I'll bite, what do you want to tell me?
She said, 'I'll bite, what's your idea?' after hearing his mysterious offer.
He paused before replying, 'I'll bite, tell me the rest.'
You think you can convince me? I'll bite!
When she mentioned a surprise, I said, 'Okay, I'll bite!'
He seemed hesitant, but when I explained the plan, he replied, 'Sure, I'll bite!'
Curious about the offer, she leaned in and asked, 'Really? I'll bite if it's true.'

Antonyms

to ignore

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

to dismiss

332 3.0

To refuse to accept an idea or claim

How Willing

all ears

Informal

27 4.4

I'll bite

Informal

1 9.9

Surface Forms

I'll bite main

Morphology

I'll + bite

The phrase combines 'I will' (willingness) with a metaphorical use of 'bite' (to take the bait), so learners who know the words get a partial clue that the speaker is willing to engage. However, the idiomatic/pragmatic nuance (curiosity, skepticism, expecting a catch) is not fully predictable from the literal meanings, so it requires some exposure to conversational English.

Etymology

I'll bite may come from the image of bait: a fish or animal that bites the bait and takes it. So when someone says I'll bite, they mean 'take the bait' or 'hear more', often even if they are not sure.