Eat somebody out of house and home

usgb
phrase

To consume a large amount of someone's food or resources, possibly causing financial strain.

Their teenage son is eating them out of house and home with his enormous appetite.
Visual representation of "eat somebody out of house and home" - To consume a large amount of someone's food or resources, possibly causing financial strain.

Often appears as...

  • teenager eating out of house and home
  • guest eating out of house and home

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "eat somebody out of house and home"
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Figurative Meaning

This phrase is not taken literally. It means consuming a lot, not actually causing someone to lose their home.

Illustration for Figurative Meaning
Every time my cousin stays over, he eats me out of house and home, but thankfully my pantry is still full!
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Exaggeration

The phrase often exaggerates for humorous effect, implying someone eats a lot but not to an extreme extent.

Illustration for Exaggeration
Our new puppy is small, but she could eat us out of house and home if we let her!
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Informal Use

Used in informal conversations, often within families or close relationships to tease or show mild exasperation.

Illustration for Informal Use
My brother is back from college and is eating us out of house and home!
Visual representation of the word "Eat somebody out of house and home"

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