eat away

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eat away

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

eat something away

to erode something; to consume something bit by bit. The acid ate the finish away. It ate away the finish.

See also: away, eat

References in periodicals archive ?

1 -- color) North American Scientific makes radioactive brachytherapy seeds, the size of a rice grain, that can be implanted in a cancer patient's prostate to eat away at the tumor.

ON A ROLL TECH COMPANIES ALONG THE 101 CORRIDOR AMONG BRIGHT SPOTS

However, he cautions businesses about using revolving credit, which provides easy access to funding but can eat away at your cash on hand with high interest rates.

Doing the credit card dance: using credit can help your business - just be aware of the pitfalls

When leaked or released, CFCs drift into the upper atmosphere and eat away at the ozone layer that normally shields the earth from solar radiation.

MERCEDES-BENZ RECEIVES EPA AWARD

While there is still a large amount of vacant space overhanging the market, there is also a backlog of space needs, unfilled during the Gulf crisis, that is beginning to eat away at it.

Revival of activity in office market

Still, the fact that most large corporations turn a profit perpetuates the myth that they are paradigms of efficiency, even as foreign competitors and small domestic firms eat away at their profit margins.

Beyond human scale: the large corporation at risk

The continuing healthy macroeconomic conditions were mainly responsible, particularly as rising disposable income and lower unemployment encouraged consumers to eat away from home.

The Canadian Foodservice Market Bounces Back from a Period of Difficulty

But until they rid their sport of the politically and racist fuelled 'Ultra' mentality, the cancer will continue to eat away at their sport.

English football

Because the bacterial infections behind periodontal disease provoke an immune reaction that can eat away the jawbone, dentist Bruce A.

Leaden impacts of gum disease, smoking. (Environment)

Flames had begun to eat away at a ceiling immediately below the boys' bedroom when the alarm was activated.

Blaze family saved

Injuries continue to eat away at the Bruins as broken collarbones sideline the entire offensive line.

NO SURPRISES AS TEAMS GET READY TO BUMBLE

You can buy Treasuries through your broker or your bank, but the transaction fee you have to pay will eat away at your final profit.