Eat away at
verb
To gradually damage or destroy something over a period of time.
The sea water began to eat away at the boat's wooden sides.
Often appears as...
- eat away at the surface
- eat away at the structure
verb
To increase emotional distress, anxiety, or worry over a period of time.
The guilt started to eat away at him until he apologized.
Often appears as...
- eat away at guilt
- eat away at conscience
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To gradually damage or destroy something over a period of time.
The sea water began to eat away at the boat's wooden sides.
Often appears as...
- eat away at the surface
- eat away at the structure
verb
To increase emotional distress, anxiety, or worry over a period of time.
The guilt started to eat away at him until he apologized.
Often appears as...
- eat away at guilt
- eat away at conscience
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gradual Impact
The phrase implies a slow process, not immediate damage.
Years of pollution began to eat away at the coral reef.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Damage
Commonly used to describe deterioration of tangible things.
Acid rain can eat away at marble statues over time.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Sometimes used metaphorically for non-physical processes.
Inflation is eating away at my savings.
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