gnaw at
Related to gnaw at: gnaw away
gnaw (away) at (someone or something)
1. To chew on something, often biting off small pieces. The dog is just gnawing away at his new bone, happy as can be.
2. To bother someone or cause them worry or trepidation. His critical comments are really gnawing at me today—I can't stop thinking about them.
See also: gnaw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
gnaw (away) at someone or something
Lit. to chew at someone or something. I hear a mouse gnawing away at the wall. The mosquitoes are gnawing at me something awful.
See also: gnaw
gnaw (away) at someone
Fig. to worry someone; to create constant anxiety in someone. The thought of catching some horrible disease gnawed away at her. A lot of guilt gnawed at him day and night.
See also: gnaw
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
gnaw at
v.
1. To bite or chew on something, removing small pieces of it a bit at a time: The mice gnawed at the corner of the box until they had made a small hole in it.
2. To cause someone or something to have or feel persistent discomfort, anxiety, or guilt: His harsh criticism gnawed at me the rest of the day. Hunger was gnawing at my stomach.
See also: gnaw
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- gnaw (away) at (someone or something)
- gnaw away
- gnaw on
- gnaw on (someone or something)
- chew off
- bite on
- bite on (something or someone)
- bite on someone
- snap at
- chew away