eat away
The phrase "eat away" is often used metaphorically to describe gradual erosion or consumption, both physically and emotionally.
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Definition
B2Resource Management
(figurative)To gradually consume or reduce resources, finances, or time.
Example
- Unexpected repairs began to eat away at their savings.
B2Physical Processes
(figurative)To cause gradual damage or erosion to a material or surface over time.
Example
- The acid rain continued to eat away at the limestone statue.
B2Emotional Well-being
(figurative)To cause persistent worry or guilt that affects someone's peace of mind.
Example
- The guilt from his actions continued to eat away at him.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "eat away":
eat away attear awayburn awaychew offtear atwork awayeat upwear downpeel awayeat someone alivetake awaywash awaychew upmake awayfall awaywear outsweep awaycut awayclaw offfade awaygo awaytake a bite out ofbite offhack awayfritter awaytear off