eating away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the clue "eating away," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your crossword puzzle swiftly and accurately.
Solutions for "eating away crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
BITING: Causing gradual erosion or damage, often in a persistent manner.
7 Letters
ERODING: The process of gradually wearing away or being worn away by natural agents like wind or water.
GNAWING: Persistently chewing or nibbling at something, gradually reducing it or causing distress.
RUSTING: The process of metal corroding due to oxidation, often associated with deterioration.
WASTING: Gradually diminishing in size, strength, or value; consuming away.
CAUSTIC: (Adjective) Able to burn or corrode organic tissue; metaphorically, having a biting or corrosive effect.
8 Letters
DECAYING: The process of rotting or decomposing through the action of bacteria and fungi, breaking down organic matter.
ABRADING: Scraping or wearing away by friction or erosion.
LEACHING: The process of a liquid slowly dissolving and carrying away soluble components from a material, often soil or rock.
9 Letters
CORRODING: The process of destroying or weakening gradually by chemical action or erosion, typically referring to metals.
CONSUMING: Using up or destroying, often by fire or gradual deterioration, or taking in completely.
More About "eating away crossword clue"
The clue "eating away" is a versatile one in the world of crosswords, often pointing to processes of gradual destruction, wear, or psychological distress. It can refer to physical phenomena like erosion by natural forces or chemical reactions, or to the slow decline of something abstract like hope or resources. Understanding the context of the puzzle, such as whether it leans towards nature, chemistry, or human emotion, can significantly narrow down the possibilities.
From the subtle action of water on rock to the relentless effect of worry on peace of mind, the concept of "eating away" captures a wide range of degenerative processes. Crossword setters love this clue because it allows for a diverse set of answers, challenging solvers to think broadly about synonyms and related concepts. It's a classic example of how crosswords test not just vocabulary, but also an understanding of nuanced meanings and metaphorical language.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Part of Speech: Is the clue looking for a verb (like "eroding"), an adjective (like "caustic"), or a noun (less common for this specific clue, but possible for similar ones)? This can eliminate many incorrect answers.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, an adjacent answer will give you a letter that is crucial for narrowing down the possibilities for "eating away." Look for common prefixes or suffixes.
- Think Metaphorically: "Eating away" isn't always literal. It can describe a mental state (e.g., worry eating away at you) or an abstract process (e.g., inflation eating away at savings). Don't limit yourself to purely physical interpretations.
- Use a Crossword Solver (Wisely): If you're truly stuck, use a solver, but try to understand why the answer fits. This helps you learn for future puzzles rather than just copying.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'eating away' typically refer to in a crossword context?
'Eating away' in crosswords often refers to processes of gradual deterioration, erosion, or destruction. This can be physical (like rust or acid), metaphorical (like worry or debt), or biological (like decay or pests). Common answers relate to corrosion, erosion, or slow consumption.
Are there different types of 'eating away' words?
Yes, answers can vary widely. Some are verbs describing the action (e.g., ERODING, CORRODING, GNAWING), while others might be adjectives describing something that causes this action (e.g., CAUSTIC, CORROSIVE) or the state of something being eaten away (e.g., DECAYING). Pay attention to the part of speech implied by the clue.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like 'eroding' and 'corroding'?
While similar, 'eroding' typically refers to wearing away by natural elements (wind, water), often involving physical abrasion. 'Corroding' specifically refers to chemical deterioration, especially of metals (like rust). The surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme might offer hints to differentiate.