wolf down

/wʊlf daʊn/phrasal verb
eat quickly and greedily

He wolfed down his lunch before the meeting.

He ate his lunch very quickly and without much chewing.


informal

To eat something very quickly and often without much chewing, typically because of hunger or urgency.

She wolfed down her breakfast so she wouldn't be late for work.

She ate her breakfast very quickly because she was in a hurry.

The kids wolfed down their snacks after soccer practice.

The kids ate their snacks quickly because they were hungry.

This phrase is often used to describe eating in a rushed or careless manner.

Collocations

wolf down foodeat food quickly and greedilywolf down a mealeat a meal very quickly

Related Phrases

devoursynonym
to eat something very quickly and greedily
gobble upsynonym
to eat something quickly and without much chewing

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use 'wolf down' when describing someone eating quickly, often due to hunger or urgency. It can also be used metaphorically for consuming information or media rapidly.

Gold Rule

Informal Context

This phrase is informal and best used in casual conversation or writing. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings.

Word Origin

The phrase combines the word 'wolf,' which is associated with aggressive or rapid eating, and 'down,' which emphasizes the speed and completion of the action.

Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and often used in casual conversation. It can also be used metaphorically to describe consuming something (like information or media) quickly.

Word Breakdown

wolf
associated with aggressive or rapid eating
root
+
down
emphasizes speed and completion
particle
English Dictionary