The phrase "eating heart out" refers to feeling intense jealousy or envy towards someone. The spelling of the word "eating" is /ˈiːtɪŋ/, with a long "e" sound and a voiced "t" sound at the end. "Heart" is spelled /hɑːt/, with a long "a" sound and a silent "e" at the end. "Out" is pronounced /aʊt/ with a diphthong sound consisting of "a" and "ow". Together, the phrase is spelled as "ˈiːtɪŋ hɑːt aʊt".
The phrase "eating heart out" is an idiomatic expression used to convey intense envy or jealousy towards someone due to their success, achievement, or possession of something desired. It suggests a feeling of bitterness or frustration experienced by the speaker, usually towards someone else whom they perceive as having surpassed them in some way, causing them to feel inferior or inadequate.
In a literal sense, "to eat one's heart out" would imply devouring one's own heart, a hypothetical act representing the extreme anguish and emotional distress felt by the person expressing the phrase. However, the figurative meaning of the phrase reflects strong emotions rather than physical actions. It denotes a consuming emotional state characterized by almost consuming one's own heart through resentment or longing.
Moreover, this phrase often conveys an element of self-pity or self-doubt experienced by the speaker. It may indicate a sense of regret or disappointment for not having achieved a similar level of success, creating a sense of longing for what they perceive others have attained. It can also express a deep desire to possess something that another person owns or to achieve the same level of proficiency or recognition that someone else has earned.
Overall, "eating heart out" portrays an emotional state of envy, jealousy, and longing, typically accompanied by introspection and feelings of missed opportunities or unfulfilled desires.