The term 'EAT, LIKE A RAT' can be solved by two crossword solutions: GNAW (4 letters) and GNAWON (6 letters). GNAW is a verb meaning to bite or chew on something persistently, usually with the teeth. It is often used to describe the behavior of rodents such as rats. GNAWON is a past tense form of the verb, indicating that the action has already been completed. This phrase is often used to describe someone who eats voraciously or hungrily.