ate away at
Slowly wore down
Ate away at describes gradual erosion or consumption over time.
Physically, something eats away at a surface: Rust ate away at the metal.
More often figurative—guilt, doubt, or resentment ate away at someone, meaning it troubled them persistently: The secret ate away at her for years.
The phrase implies slow, corrosive damage rather than sudden destruction.
- eatingIngesting sustenance
- gnawedChewed persistently
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- nagging doubtPersistent, low-grade uncertainty
- erosionGradual wearing away
rumination · guilt · nagged · decay · regret · mental anguish · inner turmoil · abrasion · oxidation · worry · weathering · crumbling · attrition · festered · wore down · piece by piece · stress · self-doubt
ate away atbuilt up
Increased through accumulation
reinforced · strengthened · fortified · preserved · restored
ate away atreassured
Had confidence restored
comforted · bolstered · put at ease · encouraged · uplifted
ate away atdemolished
Completely destroyed a structure
obliterated · annihilated · shattered · exploded · smashed