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Eat One's Seed Corn

What Does "Eat One's Seed Corn" Mean?

homeidiomsEat One's Seed Corn
"Eat one's seed corn" is an English idiom. It means "to use up or consume resources that are essential for future growth or success."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "eat one's seed corn" used in a sentence:
  • The company was so desperate for short-term profits that it ate its seed corn by cutting research and development.
  • They're eating their seed corn by not investing in education.
  • By using up all the reserves this year, we're essentially eating our seed corn.
meaning for eat one's seed corn

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Eat One's Seed Corn" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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