The phrase "ate into" is a verb phrase commonly used to describe a gradual decrease or reduction in a certain amount, quantity, or value. It implies a process of gradual erosion or depletion. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe the effect of something gradually eroding or diminishing a particular resource, such as time, profit, savings, or any other measurable quantity.
In a literal context, "ate into" refers to the act of consuming or using up gradually, like when a corrosive substance eats into a material, causing it to deteriorate over time. Similarly, the phrase is used metaphorically to describe how a particular factor or circumstance gradually diminishes or reduces something over a period.
For example, if we consider financial context, one might say, "The unexpected expenses ate into her savings." This would imply that the unexpected expenses gradually diminished her savings or caused her savings to decrease over time. Similarly, in a business context, one might say, "The fierce competition is eating into their profits." This would suggest that the intense competition in the market is gradually eroding or reducing their profits.
Overall, the phrase "ate into" highlights the gradual and ongoing impact of a factor or circumstance on a particular resource, resulting in a decrease or erosion over time.
