What’s eating him, etc?

phrase

It refers to what is bothering or causing distress to a person.

He seemed really upset this morning, do you know what's eating him?

Colloquial

Idiomatic

phrase

He seemed really upset this morning, do you know what's eating him?

Colloquial

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

The phrase often hints at an underlying, unspoken emotional issue.

She's been quiet all day, but won't say why. I wonder what's eating her.

Pro Tip 2/3

It's commonly used in casual, informal conversations rather than formal settings.

During the lunch break, Joe asked me, 'What's eating Mike lately?'

Pro Tip 3/3

The phrase is figurative and doesn't involve actual consumption.

My little brother asked me, 'What's eating him? Is it a monster?'

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