eating away at
Slowly consuming from within
Eating away at describes gradual destruction or erosion from persistent action.
Rust eats away at metal; acid eats away at stone.
The phrase extends to psychological wear: guilt, doubt, or resentment can eat away at someone over time.
The secret was eating away at her.
The image is of something being slowly consumed from within or without.
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
- rustIron oxide coating
- wearCarry on person
- consumeTake in fully
- decayGradual organic breakdown
gnaw · corrosion · chip · attrition · canker · piece by piece · anxiety · rot · nag · constant worry · guilt · regret · nagging doubt · fester · doubt · slowly · decomposition · resentment
eating away atpreserving
Protecting from deterioration
fortifying · strengthening · protecting · reinforcing · maintaining
eating away atobliterating
Destroying beyond recognition
annihilating · shattering · demolishing · exploding · blowing up
eating away atreassuring
Restoring calm or confidence
comforting · bolstering · soothing · calming · relieving