List of multi-word verbs: eat

This is a list of multi-word verbs based on the verb eat. It is intended as a reference for teachers, not as a mere list to be presented as-is to students.


 * eat away
 * i. destroy (physically and figuratively): The timber has been almost completely eaten away by woodworm.
 * ii. worry (with at): It's been eating away at me for a long time.


 * eat in
 * eat into - destroy (typically acids):
 * eat out (dine in a restaurant): Shall we eat out tonight.
 * set phrases (suffer grief): Eat your heart out!


 * eat through
 * i. gnaw/make a hole: Hamsters have very strong teeth and may eat through soft metal.
 * ii. corrode: Mercury is prohibited by airlines because it will eat through the aluminium.


 * eat up - consume totally: Have you eaten up all your spinach?