食くらい付つく

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

bite at; snap at; nibble

Describes an animal or person biting at something, often with a sense of latching on aggressively or persistently. Can be used literally for fish biting bait, dogs snapping, etc.

See also: 食いつく (くいつく)

• 犬いぬが骨ほねに食くらいついて離はなさない。

  The dog bit into the bone and won't let go.

• 魚さかなが餌えさに食くらいついた。

  The fish snapped at the bait.

godan verb (-ku), intransitive verb

get one's teeth into; get to grips with; really get into

Metaphorical use: to tackle something with enthusiasm and persistence, like a dog with a bone. Often used for work, studies, or a problem.

See also: 食いつく (くいつく)

• 彼かれは新あたらしいプロジェクトに食くらいついて、夜よる遅おそくまで働はたらいている。

  He's really gotten his teeth into the new project and is working late into the night.

• 難むずかしい問もん題だいに食くらいついて、なんとか解かい決けつした。

  I got to grips with the difficult problem and managed to solve it.