Pronunciation: [ˈiːts ˌɪntʊ] (IPA) 
The phrase "eats into" means to gradually consume or erode something. When pronounced, the first syllable "eats" sounds like [its], with the vowel sound [i] as in "sit" and the consonant sound [ts] as in "cats". The second syllable "into" sounds like [ˈɪn.tu], with the vowel sound [ɪ] as in "hit", the consonant sound [n] as in "not", and the vowel sound [u] as in "group". Together, the phrase is pronounced as [ˈits ˌɪn.tu].
The phrase "eats into" refers to the gradual consumption or depletion of a particular resource or asset over time. It emphasizes the idea of something gradually eroding, diminishing, or diminishing the value or quantity of something else.
Typically used in a figurative sense, "eats into" implies that a particular factor or action causes a steady reduction or decline in the quantity, worth, or availability of something. It suggests that the resource or asset is being slowly consumed, often to the detriment of the overall situation.
This phrase can be applied to various contexts, such as finance, time, resources, or even emotional well-being. For instance, in financial terms, one might say that rising costs "eat into" a company's profit margins, indicating that the increase in expenses gradually reduces the amount of profits earned. Similarly, the phrase can describe how excessive workload can "eat into" one's personal time, suggesting that work obligations gradually take away from the time available for leisure, hobbies, or relaxation.
In summary, the phrase "eats into" describes the gradual decrease or deterioration of a particular resource, asset, or aspect, signifying the process of something being consumed or eroded over time.
The expression "eats into" is a phrasal verb formed by the combination of the verb "eat" and the preposition "into".
Etymologically, the verb "eat" can be traced back to the Old English word "etan", which has Germanic origins. Over time, it evolved into Middle English "eten" before settling into its current form, "eat", in Modern English.
The preposition "into" also has Germanic roots and has been in use since Old English, originally spelled as "intō". It is derived from the combination of the preposition "in" and the prepositional particle "to".
When these two elements are combined, a phrasal verb "eats into" is formed. It is often used metaphorically to describe something that gradually diminishes or erodes something else, similar to how the action of eating can consume something gradually.
