ate away
Corroded over time
Ate away describes gradual destruction or erosion over time.
Acid ate away at the metal.
Rust ate away the hinges.
The phrase extends to emotional or psychological wearing down: guilt ate away at her conscience, doubt ate away at his confidence.
The process is slow, persistent, and ultimately damaging.
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
- consumedFully used or eaten
- devouredAte hungrily and completely
- frayFight or unravel
- wore thinBecame harder to bear
dissolve · decay · wear · rot · chew · rust · gnaw · eat · decompose · abrade · wear down · nibble · erosion · crumble · worn · bit by bit · exhaust · termites