# gnaw away at

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gnaw-away-at
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to slowly and steadily destroy something or make someone feel worried over a long time.

For teachers: to erode or consume something gradually; figuratively, to cause persistent distress or anxiety that slowly undermines one's confidence or peace of mind.

## Examples

- Guilt began to gnaw away at him after the lie.
- The constant criticism from his boss started to gnaw away at his self-esteem until he finally quit.
- Rising inflation and stagnant wages continue to gnaw away at the purchasing power of middle-class families across the country.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The doubt gnawed away him." but "The doubt gnawed away at him." — the preposition 'at' is required to link the action to the object being affected.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by an abstract noun like 'confidence', 'guilt', or 'profits'.
- Teaching tip: connect the figurative meaning to the literal image of a rodent chewing on wood to help students visualize the slow, persistent nature of the destruction.

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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.