Nibble away at

usgb
verb

To gradually reduce, diminish, or weaken something.

Inflation continues to nibble away at the nation's savings.
Visual representation of "nibble away at" - To gradually reduce, diminish, or weaken something

Often appears as...

  • nibble away at savings
  • nibble away at profits
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "nibble away at"
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Gradual Impact

The phrase implies a slow, not immediate, effect on something that grows over time.

Illustration for Gradual Impact
The consistent late payments began to nibble away at the company's capital.
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Negative Sense

Often used to describe something losing value or quality, generally with a negative outcome.

Illustration for Negative Sense
The new policy is nibbling away at employees' trust in management.
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Metaphorical Use

Can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical entities, such as time or abstract concepts.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Procrastination nibbles away at my productivity.
Visual representation of the word "Nibble away at"

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