eat away
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive and intransitive):
- To gradually destroy, wear down, or erode something through persistent action: This refers to the process where something is slowly consumed, diminished, or broken down, often by a chemical or physical force acting over time.
- To cause persistent worry or anxiety that consumes one's peace of mind: This figurative meaning describes how a thought or problem can gradually and negatively affect someone's mental state.
Usage Examples
- Literal meaning (erosion):
- The constant dripping of acid slowly ate away at the metal pipe.
- Ocean waves have been eating away at the base of the cliffs for centuries.
- Figurative meaning (worry/anxiety):
- Her constant criticism began to eat away at his self-confidence.
- The guilt over the mistake ate away at him for years.
Advanced Usage
- "eat away at something": This is the most common phrasal verb construction. It emphasizes the gradual, persistent, and destructive nature of the action, whether literal or figurative.
- Financial worries are eating away at their savings.
- Doubt started to eat away at her resolve.
Variants and Related Words
- Erode (verb): A direct synonym, often used in geological or technical contexts. (e.g., )
- Corrode (verb): Specifically refers to chemical erosion, especially of metals. (e.g., )
- Gnaw (verb): Can be used similarly in a figurative sense for persistent worry. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Erode
- Wear away
- Corrode
- Consume
- Undermine (figurative)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Eat into: Similar to "eat away at," often used for resources like time, money, or savings.
- Unexpected repairs ate into our vacation budget.
Related Idioms
- "Eat your heart out": To be consumed by envy or grief. (Note: This is a distinct idiom, not a variant of "eat away.")
- He won the award, so let his rivals eat their hearts out.
Verb
- wear away or erode
- remove soil or rock
- Rain eroded the terraces