bíta frá sér

Icelandic

Etymology

Literally “bite away from oneself”. Confer the Danish bide fra sig.

Verb

bíta frá sér

1. (idiomatic, intransitive) defend oneself in a harsh manner, to lash out, snap (at someone)

   Þú verður að kunna að bíta frá þér þegar fólk er dónalegt.

   You have to know how to defend yourself when people are rude to you.