eat away at

/ˈiːt ɐwˈeɪ at/

/ˈiːt ɐwˈeɪ æt/

to eat away at

MAIN VERB

to wear away or destroy over time due to natural forces such as water, wind, or friction

synonyms : erode

***to gradually remove or reduce the amount of something

synonyms : fret

***to make someone feel very worried over a long period of time

Examples

1. His gambling was eating away at their income.

2. The uncertainty of the future was eating away at his peace of mind.

3. Stealing that money from my parents has been eating away at my conscience for the past month.

4. Sinkholes happen when water eats away at underground rock, creating pits and craters.