eat away
B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To slowly destroy something bit by bit, like acid burning through metal.
Literal meaning: To eat something so that it gradually disappears — as if being consumed bite by bite.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To destroy or damage something slowly through continuous physical or chemical action.
"The sea has been eating away at the cliffs for centuries."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To gradually reduce or deplete something over time.
"Unexpected bills kept eating away at their savings all year."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Can be used literally (rust eating away at metal) or figuratively (guilt eating away at someone). Very commonly followed by 'at' to specify the target. Both British and American English use this naturally.
Commonly used with
rust acid guilt savings cliffs confidence
Forms
Base
eat away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eats away
he/she/it
Past simple
ate away
yesterday
Past participle
eaten away
have + pp
-ing form
eating away
continuous
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