What’s eating him, etc?

usgb
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?
Visual representation of "what’s eating him, etc?" - It refers to what is bothering or causing distress to a person.

Often appears as...

  • know what's eating him
  • figuring out what's eating him

Usage tips

Colloquial

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "what’s eating him, etc?"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Insight

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

Illustration for Emotional Insight
She's been quiet all day, but won't say why. I wonder what's eating her.
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Informal Context

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

Illustration for Informal Context
During the lunch break, Joe asked me, 'What's eating Mike lately?'
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Figurative Language

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

Illustration for Figurative Language
My little brother asked me, 'What's eating him? Is it a monster?'
Visual representation of the word "What’s eating him, etc?"

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