eating away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "eating away," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "eating away crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ERODE: To wear away gradually, often by natural forces like wind or water, fitting the 'eating away' meaning.
DECAY: To rot or decompose through the action of bacteria and fungi, often used in contexts of organic matter.
6 Letters
BITING: Causing a sharp, stinging sensation, or cutting into something persistently. Can also refer to harsh criticism that "eats away" at one's confidence.
7 Letters
GNAWING: Eating or chewing persistently at something, or metaphorically troubling someone constantly. This captures both the literal and figurative sense of 'eating away'.
CORRODE: To destroy or be destroyed gradually by chemical action or erosion, a strong fit for 'eating away' when referring to metals or materials.
CONSUME: To eat, drink, or ingest, or to use up resources. This answer works when 'eating away' implies depletion or absorption over time.
WASTING: Using or expending carelessly, extravagantly, or to no purpose. Implies a gradual depletion or destruction of resources, time, or energy.
ETCHING: To cut or carve a design into a surface, often with acid. This process literally "eats away" at the material to create a design.
WEARING: Causing deterioration or erosion by friction or use over time. Similar to ERODE, indicating a gradual reduction or destruction from constant use.
More About "eating away crossword clue"
"Eating away" is a wonderfully versatile phrase in crossword puzzles, often hinting at concepts of gradual destruction, erosion, or consumption. It can refer to physical processes, such as rust eating away at metal, or more abstract ideas, like guilt eating away at a person's conscience. The key to solving these clues lies in considering both the literal and metaphorical interpretations.
Clues like "eating away" challenge solvers to think beyond the obvious. Sometimes the answer might be a verb describing natural wear and tear, like ERODE or DECAY. Other times, it might point to a more active, though still gradual, process, such as GNAWING. The beauty of crosswords is in their ability to play on words and their multiple meanings, making phrases like "eating away" excellent fodder for clever clues.
Understanding the nuances of such phrases can significantly improve your crossword-solving speed. Always consider the context provided by other clues in the puzzle and the number of letters in the answer. This systematic approach will help you pinpoint the precise meaning intended by the puzzle setter and lead you to the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most valuable hint. If "eating away" is 5 letters, you immediately narrow down options to words like ERODE or DECAY.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Think of words that mean similar things to "eating away" (e.g., corrode, consume) and sometimes even their opposites, as setters occasionally use them to mislead.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: If you have letters filled in from other clues, use them to confirm or deny potential answers. This is often the quickest way to verify a tricky clue.
- Think Metaphorically: "Eating away" can be literal (like pests) or figurative (like worries). Consider both interpretations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "eating away" typically imply in crosswords?
'Eating away' in crossword clues often refers to processes of gradual destruction, wearing down, or consumption. This could be literal, like a pest eating wood, or metaphorical, like worries eating away at someone.
Are there different types of "eating away" clues?
Yes, they can be physical processes (e.g., erosion, corrosion, gnawing), or abstract concepts (e.g., despair, regret, or time consuming something). The context of the puzzle and intersecting letters are key to determining which interpretation is correct.
How can I identify the correct length for "eating away" answers?
The length of the answer is crucial. Always check the number of letters required by the grid. If you have intersecting letters from other solved clues, these will significantly narrow down the possibilities. Common answers like ERODE (5 letters) or CORRODE (7 letters) are good starting points to check against the given length.