How to Pronounce "eat away at"
expression
EET-uh-WAY-at
EET-uh-WAY-at
Definition
To slowly damage or destroy something, either physically (like rust on metal) or emotionally (like worry or guilt that bothers you over time).
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈit/ /əˈweɪ/ /ˈæt
British English
ˈiːt/ /ɐwˈeɪ/ /ˈæt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
EET-uh-WAY-at
UK
EET-uh-WAY-at
Listen in Context
Rust can eat away at metal over time.
Worry will eat away at your happiness if you let it.
Acid rain can eat away at buildings.
Guilt from that mistake kept eating away at him for years.