roer
1. To bite or chew persistently or gradually with the teeth
The dog gnawed on the bone for hours.
O cachorro roeu o osso por horas.
2. To wear away or erode gradually
Worry gnawed at his mind.
A preocupação roía sua mente.
3. To bite or nibble at something repeatedly
Mice gnawed through the wooden beams.
Os ratos roeram as vigas de madeira.
4. To cause persistent discomfort or distress (figuratively)
Doubt gnawed away at her confidence.
A dúvida roía sua confiança.
In both American and Brazilian English/Portuguese contexts, 'gnaw' is commonly used metaphorically to describe psychological distress or persistent worry. The verb is often associated with rodents and animals in both cultures, making it a vivid descriptor for both physical and emotional erosion. In Portuguese, 'roer' carries the same dual meaning and is used equally in both literal and figurative contexts.
Related Idioms & Phrases
gnaw at someone - to cause persistent worry or concern
gnaw one's way through - to persistently work toward something despite difficulty
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