eat into

Inseparable

The verb and particle never split. The object always follows the whole phrase.

How to say it

Stress the particle, not the verb: eat INTO. Saying “EAT into” is the clearest learner tell — the verb stays light and the particle carries the beat.

The /t/ flaps. Between vowels, American /t/ and /d/ both become a quick tap, so “eat into” comes out as “ea-dinto” — closer to a fast D than a T.

What it means

To gradually consume or erode something, especially savings or time.
- “The repairs ate into our savings.”
- “Meetings are eating into the time I need for actual work.”
Similar: erode, deplete

The particle logic

into

Movement inward that changes state, position, or direction.

Listen + practice

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More EAT phrasal verbs

Compare the whole family →

eat out

To have a meal at a restaurant rather than at home.

eat up

To finish all of your food.

eat into — meaning, examples & how to say it