what's eating
What is wrong with...? What is the problem with... (somebody)? Inquired regarding somebody who seems upset, worried, angry, etc.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You seem angry today. What is eating you?”
“You have been quiet all morning, so tell me, what is eating you?”
“Observing his uncharacteristic irritability during the meeting, she leaned over and whispered, asking him what was eating him.”
- 01
appetite comes with eating
Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.
- 02
get what's coming to one
To experience the consequences of one's actions.
- 03
what's cooking
A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?
- 04
what's eating you
What is annoying or bothering you?
- 05
what's going on
An informal greeting.
- 06
what's in it for me
What are the advantages of (something) to me, personally?
- 07
what's new
The latest developments in a particular situation or a person's life.
- 08
what's the beef
Why are you complaining? What are you complaining about?
Last updated August 10, 2026