- prey on something
- prey on something[for an animal] to feed on another animal as a matter of habit or preference. •
Owls prey on mice.
•Many birds prey on snakes.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
prey on something
Look at other dictionaries:
prey on something — prey on (something) to kill an animal in order to eat it. Spiders prey on small flies and other insects. Seals often prey upon the same fish people are trying to catch. Usage notes: said about animals that kill other animals for food … New idioms dictionary
prey on something — … Useful english dictionary
prey upon something — … Useful english dictionary
fall prey to something — fall prey to (someone/something) to be harmed by someone or something. We worry that our children will fall prey to the influence of bad kids. Patients may fall prey to dishonest salespeople who say they can cure their pain. Usage notes:… … New idioms dictionary
prey on — (something) to kill an animal in order to eat it. Spiders prey on small flies and other insects. Seals often prey upon the same fish people are trying to catch. Usage notes: said about animals that kill other animals for food … New idioms dictionary
prey — [[t]pre͟ɪ[/t]] preys, preying, preyed 1) N UNCOUNT COLL: usu with poss A creature s prey are the creatures that it hunts and eats in order to live. → See also bird of prey Electric rays stun their prey with huge electrical discharges... These… … English dictionary
prey — ▪ I. prey prey 1 [preɪ] verb prey on/upon somebody/something phrasal verb [transitive] to take advantage of people who are weak or easily deceived: • fake charities that prey on small businesses for contributions [m0] ▪ II. prey prey 2 … Financial and business terms
prey on/upon — [phrasal verb] 1 prey on/upon (something) : to hunt and kill (something) for food The wolves prey on small animals. 2 prey on/upon (someone) : to hurt, cheat, or steal from (someone) c … Useful english dictionary
prey on (someone) — 1. to commit a crime against someone. Police are looking for street criminals who prey on tourists. Gangs that prey upon small business owners in the city s Chinatown may be spreading to the suburbs. 2. to have an effect on someone. Guilt preyed… … New idioms dictionary
prey — [prā] n. [ME preye < OFr preie < L praeda < base of prehendere, to seize: see PREHENSILE] 1. Archaic plunder; booty 2. an animal hunted or killed for food by another animal 3. a person or thing that falls victim to someone or something 4 … English World dictionary
prey on someone's mind — prey on someone’s mind phrase if something preys on your mind, you think and worry about it all the time The criticism preyed on my mind. Thesaurus: to make someone worried or nervoussynonym Main entry: prey … Useful english dictionary
