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.
See also: away, eat

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 ?
The holes can eat away the cartilage that divides the nose.
Drug and the body--it isn't pretty
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)
Council planners fear the scheme will eat away at the green land which separates Bedworth from Coventry.
Care home plan put on hold
As urban sprawl begins to eat away at every part of America, everyone will begin searching for knowledge and ways to reach viable solutions.
Letters
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.
Buy a government IOU
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
Scientists once thought the inclusions at the surface dissolve into liquids and produce corrosive chemicals that eat away the surrounding metal.
Better stainless: analysis could bring pits out of the steel. (Science news: this week)
Flames had begun to eat away at a ceiling immediately below the boys' bedroom when the alarm was activated.
Blaze family saved
Those fees will ultimately eat away at your profit.
Selling short, an adventure in risk: make money picking the worst stocks
Acid from fruits, juices and soft drinks can also eat away the outer layer of tooth enamel.
Cheese for teeth's sake
180), is accumulating in the atmosphere and can eat away at the stratospheric ozone layer.
Tallying nitrogen's increasing impact
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