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                           general:: 
                           Phrase(s): eat (away) at someone Fig. [for a problem] to trouble someone constantly.  •  The nasty situation at work began to eat away at me.  •  Nagging worries ate at me day and night.
                           
                           
                           
                           
                        
    
                       
                    
                        
                        
                        
                    
 
                    
                        McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
                    
                    
                    
                        2
                           general:: 
                           Phrase(s): eat (away) at something  Fig. to erode something.  •  The acid ate away at the metal floor.  •  Fingers have a mild acid that eats at the metal of the door handle.
                           
                           
                           
                           
                        
    
                       
                    
                        
                        
                        
                    
 
                    
                        McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs