ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eat away

idiom
Meaning

To physically corrode or erode (something) gradually.


Origin

disputed origin

From eat + away.

Examples
SIMPLE

Rust is starting to eat away at the old metal fence.

CONTEXTUAL

The constant flow of water began to eat away at the riverbank, threatening the nearby houses.

COMPLEX

Over several centuries, the relentless acidic rain continued to eat away at the limestone carvings, slowly erasing the intricate details of the ancient monument.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    away game

    An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.

  2. 02

    away with the fairies

    Not all there; slightly crazy.

  3. 03

    bang away

    to strike or hit repeatedly

  4. 04

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  5. 05

    beaver away

    To work hard at a task.

  6. 06

    bite to eat

    A snack or quick meal.

  7. 07

    blaze away

    To fire (firearms) repeatedly.

  8. 08

    blow away

    To kill (someone) by shooting them with a firearm.

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