Crossword Genius

Eat away in a buffet cheaply enough, perhaps (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

etch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'eat away' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a buffet cheaply enough perhaps' is the wordplay.
'ETCH' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for etch that I've seen before include "Draw on metal with acid" , "Engrave; fix firmly" , "Cut using sharp instrument" , "Design on metal or glass using acid" , "Make deep lines" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app