eat away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "eat away" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "eat away crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually weaken or wear down, often by drawing off vital resources.
4 Letters
GNAW: To bite or chew persistently, often wearing something down or causing distress.
FRET: To cause worry, distress, or irritation to; often used metaphorically for something that 'eats away' at peace of mind.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or disintegrate, typically by natural agents like wind, water, or chemical action.
EATAT: A phrasal verb meaning to cause persistent worry or distress; to consume gradually.
7 Letters
CORRODE: To destroy or damage slowly by chemical action, such as rust eating away at metal.
More About "eat away crossword clue"
"Eat away" is a fairly common crossword clue, often pointing to processes of gradual destruction, wearing down, or consumption. It can be interpreted literally, such as a substance eating away at another, or metaphorically, like worry eating away at a person's peace. The versatility of this phrase means the answer can vary significantly based on the specific context provided by the puzzle's theme or intersecting letters.
Understanding the different nuances of "eat away" is key. For instance, if the clue hints at a chemical process, 'CORRODE' is a strong candidate. If it refers to natural wear and tear, 'ERODE' is more fitting. Clues involving persistent biting or a metaphorical consumption of spirit might lead to 'GNAW' or 'FRET' respectively. Always consider the word length and any letters you already have from intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "eat away," consider if the action is chemical (corrode), natural (erode), or perhaps psychological (fret). The context often hints at the precise synonym.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Always filter potential answers by their exact length before trying to fit them.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from answers crossing your target word, use them to confirm or rule out possibilities. This is especially helpful when multiple answers have the same length.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, a clue might lead to a phrasal verb like "EAT AT" rather than a single word, so keep an eye out for these.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "eat away" typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, "eat away" often refers to the gradual destruction, wearing down, or consumption of something. Common synonyms include erode, corrode, gnaw, or even concepts like sap (to weaken) or fret (to cause worry that 'eats away' at someone's peace of mind).
How can I identify the correct "eat away" answer among similar options?
Pay attention to the clue's nuance. If it mentions chemicals or rust, think CORRODE. If it implies natural processes like water or wind, consider ERODE. If it's about persistent biting, GNAW is likely. The number of letters is also a crucial hint; check other intersecting words for confirmation.
Are there any common patterns or types of puzzles where "eat away" appears?
"Eat away" is a versatile clue that can appear in various puzzle types, from daily cryptics to themed grids. It's often used for synonyms implying decay, wear, or gradual consumption. Sometimes, it might even be used metaphorically for something that slowly consumes a resource or person's spirit, like 'worry'.