Pronunciation: [ˈiːts ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "eats away" is spelled phonetically as /ˈiːts əˈweɪ/. The letter "e" in "eats" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, while the "a" in "away" is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The word "eats" is derived from the verb "eat", which means to consume food. When "away" is added to "eats", it creates the phrase "eats away," which means to slowly erode or corrode something over time.
The phrase "eats away" refers to gradual corrosion, disintegration, or diminishing of a substance or material over time due to the action of another external force or agent. This term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.
In its literal sense, "eats away" implies the slow but steady process of erosion or decay caused by the chemical or mechanical interaction between a substance and another element. For instance, metals can be eaten away by rust, a type of corrosion caused by the reaction between iron and oxygen. Similarly, certain acids can eat away at the enamel of teeth, causing damage and cavities.
Figuratively, "eats away" depicts the gradual erosion or destruction of something intangible, like a person's reputation, confidence, or spirit. It suggests a wearing down or deterioration caused by persistent negative factors. For example, constant criticism can eat away at someone's self-esteem, gradually diminishing their confidence and sense of self-worth. Similarly, a long-standing conflict within a relationship can eat away at the trust and affection that once existed, leading to its eventual breakdown.
"Eats away" signifies the slow but consistent process of erosion, corrosion, or decline, whether it is observed in tangible objects or in abstract aspects of human experience. Overall, this phrase conveys the idea of a persistent, damaging influence that gradually weakens or diminishes something over time.
The phrase "eats away" does not have a distinct etymology, as it is a combination of two common words in the English language.
The word "eats" comes from the Old English word "etan", which means "to consume food". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "etan", and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "ed-".
The word "away" is a Middle English adverb that means "from a place" or "at a distance". It is derived from the Old English word "onweg", which is a combination of "on" (meaning "on" or "in") and "weg" (meaning "way" or "journey").
When combined, the phrase "eats away" generally refers to the process of something gradually corroding or eroding, much like how food consumption over time can wear away at a substance.
