Literally meaning "ants gnawing a bone," this describes pooling small amounts of energy or resources together to complete a difficult or massive task through persistent, steady effort.

To pore over books or study diligently; can also describe mechanical or rote learning.

to fall flat on one's face; to fall headlong into the dirt

to study diligently or cram; literally "to gnaw on a book"

(colloquial) to depend on one's parents for financial support even after reaching adulthood

(colloquial) adults who are not financially independent and rely on their parents for support; specifically those who refuse to work despite being capable of doing so.

(of farmers) to harvest crops prematurely before they are fully ripe, often due to famine or food shortages

to bite and eat with the teeth; to gnaw at

to gnaw at a bone to get the residual meat off

To fall flat on one's face; to take a header.

to dedicate oneself single-mindedly to a difficult task; to pore over books or study without thinking or understanding