# what's eating

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whats-eating
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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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.