eat at

eat (away) at (someone or something)

1. To continually bother or worry someone. The precarious state of my finances has really begun to eat at me. I'm worried that your critical comments have begun to eat away at Tiffany—she seems very subdued these days.

2. To erode or wear something away. Don't use that harsh cleaner—it will eat away at a soft metal like this.

eat (away) at someone

Fig. [for a problem] to trouble someone constantly. The nasty situation at work began to eat away at me. Nagging worries ate at me day and night.

eat (away) at something

Fig. to erode something. The acid ate away at the metal floor. Fingers have a mild acid that eats at the metal of the door handle.

See also: eat

References in periodicals archive ?

In other words, the risk is lower in people who eat at least that much.

New 'Year's resolutions: beans, berries, bran, & beyond

The government has long been involved in what our children eat at school and how much they exercise.

No child left on their behind

This is a sign that your body needs to eat at this time in order to keep up.

You are (exactly) what you eat

adults eat at least three servings of whole grains daily.

Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables: a key part of a health-promoting diet

I'd be too upset to eat at home because my parents were always bickering at the dinning room table.

Amy's story

Since the great majority of people leaning green eat at least some meat, alienating them with vegetarian absolutism is anathema.

Across the great divide: environmentalists and animal rights activists battle over vegetarianism. (Cover Story)