eat away at crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the "eat away at" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "eat away at crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
GNAW: To bite or chew on something persistently, often causing gradual wear or destruction.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy something through natural forces like wind, water, or ice.
DECAY: To rot or decompose, especially organic matter, leading to its gradual deterioration or destruction.
7 Letters
CORRODE: To destroy or damage (metal, stone, or other materials) slowly by chemical action.
More About "eat away at crossword clue"
"Eat away at" is a common phrase that implies a process of gradual destruction, deterioration, or wearing down. In crosswords, clues based on this phrase often require an answer that reflects a slow, persistent action causing damage. The context of the puzzle, such as whether it refers to physical matter, an emotion, or a process, can guide you to the correct synonym.
This clue can be tricky because it has multiple valid synonyms depending on the specific type of "eating away." For instance, "erode" implies a natural, physical process, while "corrode" points to a chemical reaction. Understanding these subtle differences is key to choosing the best fit for your puzzle.
Crossword setters love to use such versatile phrases to test a solver's vocabulary depth. Always consider the nuance of the clue and the letters you already have in place to narrow down the possibilities effectively.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer to the number of blank squares provided. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities for clues like "eat away at" that have multiple synonyms.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: The most crucial tip! The letters you've filled in from crossing words are invaluable. They will quickly confirm or deny a potential answer for "eat away at."
- Consider Nuance and Context: Think about the subtle differences between synonyms. Does "eat away at" refer to rust (CORRODE), a river wearing down a bank (ERODE), or a rodent (GNAW)? The puzzle's theme or other clues might offer hints.
- Think of Figurative Meanings: Sometimes "eat away at" can be metaphorical (e.g., "doubt ate away at his mind"). While less common for direct single-word answers, being aware of figurative language can prevent misinterpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do clues like "eat away at" often have multiple answers?
Many crossword clues, especially those describing actions or states, have synonyms. "Eat away at" can refer to various forms of gradual destruction, leading to answers like ERODE, GNAW, CORRODE, or DECAY, depending on the specific nuance or letter count required by the puzzle.
What's the difference between ERODE and CORRODE in crosswords?
While both imply wearing away, ERODE often refers to physical abrasion or natural processes (like wind erosion), while CORRODE specifically implies chemical action, typically affecting metals or stone. The context of the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can help differentiate.
How can I quickly find the right answer when there are multiple possibilities for a clue like this?
The most effective method is to use the intersecting letters from other solved clues. The length of the word (number of letters) is also a critical piece of information provided by the puzzle itself. Always check if the definition fits precisely with the specific answer you are considering.