To suffer from intense jealousy, envy, or longing, often used as a boastful challenge to others to be envious of one's success or good fortune.
This phrase dates back to ancient times, with the concept appearing in Homer's Odyssey where characters are described as 'eating their hearts' with grief or desire. The metaphor suggests that envy or longing literally consumes a person from within, like a parasite eating away at their vital organs.
Try Another Word