eat away at crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "eat away at" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, broken down by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck quickly.
Solutions for "eat away at crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GNAW: To bite at or chew something persistently, causing it to gradually wear down or be consumed. Often used in phrases like "gnaw away at."
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy something, often through natural forces like wind, water, or ice, or by chemical action.
7 Letters
CORRODE: To destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) gradually by chemical action, such as rust.
More About "eat away at crossword clue"
"Eat away at" is a versatile phrase often encountered in crosswords, and its meaning can range from literal physical degradation to metaphorical psychological torment. Literally, it describes a process of gradual destruction, such as water eroding a coastline or acid corroding metal. Understanding this physical aspect helps in finding answers like ERODE or CORRODE.
Figuratively, the phrase can refer to something that slowly consumes or destroys a person's peace of mind, health, or resources. For instance, worry or guilt can "eat away at" someone. While less common for direct answers, recognizing this nuance can help you eliminate incorrect options or consider more abstract synonyms if the physical ones don't fit.
When you see this clue, always consider both interpretations and, most importantly, the number of letters you need to fill. This dual nature makes it a classic crossword clue, testing your vocabulary breadth.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Does "eat away at" imply a physical process (like rust or decay) or a metaphorical one (like anxiety)? Sometimes the exact context of the crossword might hint at one over the other.
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of boxes you need to fill. This is the most crucial piece of information to narrow down potential answers like GNaw (4 letters), ERODE (5 letters), or CORRODE (7 letters).
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean similar things to "eat away at," but also consider their opposites. Sometimes a tricky clue might lead you to think indirectly.
- Use Cross-References: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting clues, use them to your advantage. Even one letter can eliminate many possibilities and guide you to the correct answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'eat away at' imply in crossword clues?
In crossword puzzles, 'eat away at' typically implies a gradual process of wearing down, destroying, or consuming. This can be literal (like erosion or rust) or figurative (like worry or guilt 'eating away at' someone).
Are there common crossword answers for 'eat away at'?
Yes, common answers often include verbs related to gradual destruction. Some frequent solutions are ERODE, CORRODE, GNaw, and WEAR, depending on the specific context and required letter count of the puzzle.
How do I narrow down answers for clues like 'eat away at'?
To narrow down answers, first check the number of letters provided in the grid. Then, consider the nuance: is it a chemical process (corrode), a natural wearing down (erode), or a more active biting (gnaw)? The surrounding letters you've already filled in are also crucial.