Chip away at
phrasal verb
To gradually reduce or erode something.
The team slowly chipped away at the lead their opponents had.
Often appears as...
- chip away at the lead
- chip away at debt
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To gradually make progress on a complex task.
She chipped away at the pile of homework she had to do.
Often appears as...
- chip away at tasks
- chip away at problems
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To gradually reduce or erode something.
The team slowly chipped away at the lead their opponents had.
Often appears as...
- chip away at the lead
- chip away at debt
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To gradually make progress on a complex task.
She chipped away at the pile of homework she had to do.
Often appears as...
- chip away at tasks
- chip away at problems
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Required
Using 'chip away at' implies a task requires continuous effort over time.
He chipped away at his debt by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Progress
'Chip away at' suggests progress that may not be immediately noticeable.
She chipped away at the team's skepticism with her consistent results.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Use
'Chip away at' can also be used when something is being negatively diminished.
Years of neglect chipped away at the old building's grandeur.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Required
Using 'chip away at' implies a task requires continuous effort over time.
He chipped away at his debt by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Progress
'Chip away at' suggests progress that may not be immediately noticeable.
She chipped away at the team's skepticism with her consistent results.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Use
'Chip away at' can also be used when something is being negatively diminished.
Years of neglect chipped away at the old building's grandeur.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Required
Using 'chip away at' implies a task requires continuous effort over time.
He chipped away at his debt by cutting down on unnecessary expenses.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Progress
'Chip away at' suggests progress that may not be immediately noticeable.
She chipped away at the team's skepticism with her consistent results.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Use
'Chip away at' can also be used when something is being negatively diminished.
Years of neglect chipped away at the old building's grandeur.
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