Eat away at

usgb
verb

To gradually damage or destroy something over a period of time.

The sea water began to eat away at the boat's wooden sides.
Visual representation of "eat away at" - To gradually damage or destroy something over a period of time.

Often appears as...

  • eat away at the surface
  • eat away at the structure
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "eat away at"
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Gradual Impact

The phrase implies a slow process, not immediate damage.

Illustration for Gradual Impact
Years of pollution began to eat away at the coral reef.
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Physical Damage

Commonly used to describe deterioration of tangible things.

Illustration for Physical Damage
Acid rain can eat away at marble statues over time.
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Not Literal

Sometimes used metaphorically for non-physical processes.

Illustration for Not Literal
Inflation is eating away at my savings.
Visual representation of the word "Eat away at"

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