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what's eating

idiom
Meaning

What is wrong with...? What is the problem with... (somebody)? Inquired regarding somebody who seems upset, worried, angry, etc.


Examples
SIMPLE

You seem angry today. What is eating you?

CONTEXTUAL

You have been quiet all morning, so tell me, what is eating you?

COMPLEX

Observing his uncharacteristic irritability during the meeting, she leaned over and whispered, asking him what was eating him.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    appetite comes with eating

    Starting an activity increases one's desire to continue it.

  2. 02

    get what's coming to one

    To experience the consequences of one's actions.

  3. 03

    what's cooking

    A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?

  4. 04

    what's eating you

    What is annoying or bothering you?

  5. 05

    what's going on

    An informal greeting.

  6. 06

    what's in it for me

    What are the advantages of (something) to me, personally?

  7. 07

    what's new

    The latest developments in a particular situation or a person's life.

  8. 08

    what's the beef

    Why are you complaining? What are you complaining about?

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