verb trans
to put (esp food) in the mouth and swallow it, usu after chewing it
(+ away/into/through) to destroy, erode, or corrode gradually
(+ into) to use a great deal of (a limited resource)
(also + away) to corrode (something)
Paint had been eaten away by the sea's fine spray
to cause (damage) by eating or corroding something
Moths had eaten holes in her jacket
to devastate (a place) by eating its produce or resources
Locusts ate the country bare
informal to worry or annoy (somebody)
What's eating them?
to take food or a meal
When shall we eat?
(+ into/through) to cause damage to something by eating
The fault had been caused by insects eating through the cable
(+ into/through) to destroy or corrode (something) gradually
The acid had started to eat into the metal
(+ into) to use a great deal of (a limited resource)
Buying a new car will eat into your savings
informal to accept insults or humiliation humbly and uncomplainingly
see humble pie
to eat very little
to eat a lot
used to express one's opinion that something is very unlikely
If he passes his driving test, I'll eat my hat
to grieve bitterly, esp for something desired but unobtainable
to retract what one has said, esp in an ignominious way
to do everything somebody asks