"Feed to gills" is an idiomatic expression that originates from the anatomy and behavior of fish but is often used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming or excessive situation. The literal meaning of "feed to gills" refers to the process in which fish consume their food through their gills. Fish use their gills to extract oxygen from the water, and simultaneously, they ingest microscopic food particles suspended in the water. Therefore, when fish "feed to gills," they voraciously and fully consume their sustenance.
Metaphorically, the phrase "feed to gills" describes a scenario where an individual or a group of individuals are overwhelmed or inundated with something. It suggests that they are flooded or completely saturated with an excess of information, tasks, responsibilities, or emotions. The expression emphasizes the idea that the capacity of consumption has been exceeded, resulting in feeling overwhelmed or unable to handle the situation at hand. It conveys a sense of being inundated to the point of being unable to cope or function effectively.
In a broader sense, "feed to gills" can also signify being overloaded or overwhelmed by anything, not just information or tasks. It could refer to an overwhelming experience or situation, such as excessive stress, emotional pressure, work demands, or any other circumstance that stretches an individual's capacity to its limit.
Overall, the expression "feed to gills" encapsulates the notion of being overwhelmed or flooded with an excess of stimuli, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense.
