# gnaw someone's vitals

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/gnaw-someones-vitals
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To deeply trouble (someone).

## Examples

- The secret continued to gnaw his vitals.
- The memory of his mistake continued to gnaw his vitals, making it impossible for him to sleep at night.
- A profound sense of regret began to gnaw his vitals, casting a long shadow over his otherwise successful career.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.