take on too much

/teɪk ɒn tuː mʌtʃ/

phrasal verb★Intermediate💡 to accept more responsibilities than one can handle

informal

To accept more tasks, responsibilities, or commitments than one can reasonably handle, often leading to stress or burnout.

He took on too much at work and missed deadlines.

He accepted too many projects and couldn't complete them on time.

Students often take on too much during exam season.

Students frequently overload themselves with assignments and studying.

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This phrase is commonly used to describe overcommitment in personal or professional life.

Collocations

take on too much workaccept an excessive amount of worktake on too many responsibilitiesaccept more duties than one can manage

to take on more than one can handle

to take on too many tasks and not do any well

Use this phrase to remind yourself or others to balance responsibilities carefully.

Recognize when you're taking on too much and learn to say no when necessary.

The phrase combines the verb 'take on' (to accept) with 'too much' (excessive amount), emphasizing the idea of overcommitment.

This phrase is often used in informal contexts to express concerns about workload or personal limits.

take on

to accept or assume

phrasal verb

too much

an excessive amount

phrase

English Dictionary