Meaning of the word "eat into" in English

What does "eat into" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

eat into

US /iːt ˈɪntuː/

UK /iːt ˈɪn.tuː/

to use up a large part of something, especially money or time

Example:

•

Unexpected expenses are starting to eat into our savings.

•

The long commute eats into my free time every day.

Synonym:

deplete erode consume drain diminish

to damage or destroy something gradually, especially by chemical action

Example:

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The acid began to eat into the metal.

•

Rust can eat into the structure of a bridge over time.

Synonym:

corrode erode decay deteriorate gnaw