eat alive
/iːt əˈlaɪv/
VERB
1. To defeat someone overwhelmingly
To defeat, outperform, or dominate someone so decisively that they have little chance of competing successfully.
1.1. Overwhelming victory in competition
Describes defeating an opponent by a very large margin in a contest, game, sporting event, or other competitive situation.
Synonyms
- annihilate
- crush
- demolish
- trounce
- thrash
- rout
- vanquish
- wipe the floor with
Antonyms
- lose to
- succumb to
- be defeated by
Examples
- The defending champions ate alive their opponents in the final match.
- The experienced boxer ate alive the inexperienced challenger.
Related Words
1.2. Outperforming or surpassing competitors
Describes outperforming others decisively through superior ability, skill, speed, or performance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- underperform
- fall behind
- be outclassed
Examples
- The talented young player ate alive the competition throughout the tournament.
- Her innovative company ate alive its rivals by delivering better products.
Related Words
- exceed
- overmatch
- outdistance
- overpower
- master
VERB
2. To overwhelm or destroy someone or something
To overwhelm, consume, or severely damage someone or something through intense pressure, criticism, competition, or difficult circumstances.
2.1. Being overwhelmed by pressure or circumstances
Describes a person, organization, or ambition being overwhelmed or effectively destroyed by demanding conditions, intense competition, or overwhelming challenges.
Synonyms
- overwhelm
- crush
- overpower
- subdue
- annihilate
- destroy
- overbear
Antonyms
Examples
- The intense competition can eat alive any business that fails to adapt quickly.
- The fast-paced industry threatens to eat alive companies that cannot keep up with innovation.
Related Words
- subjugate
- overmatch
- conquer
- overthrow
- dominate
2.2. Being devastated by criticism or hostility
Describes criticism, attacks, or hostile treatment severely damaging someone's confidence, reputation, or emotional well-being.
Synonyms
- crush
- devastate
- overwhelm
- destroy
- maul
- tear apart
Antonyms
Examples
- The ruthless media criticism threatened to eat alive the actor's confidence.
- Without emotional support, the constant criticism could eat alive her self-esteem.
Related Words
- assail
- attack
- belittle
- humiliate
- intimidate