chip away at

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Definition

Verb (phrasal verb): - To gradually and persistently reduce, weaken, or destroy something, often through small, repeated actions or efforts.

Usage

This phrasal verb is transitive and requires an object. It describes a slow, incremental process of erosion or diminishment. It often carries a negative connotation, implying something valuable or solid is being worn down.

Examples
Advanced Usage
  • Figurative Use: Most commonly used in a figurative sense to describe the gradual impact on abstract concepts like morale, trust, or resolve.
    • The endless scandals chipped away at the public's trust in the institution.
  • Literal Use (less common): Can be used literally to describe the physical act of removing small pieces.
    • The sculptor chipped away at the marble block to reveal the form within.
Variants and Related Words
  • Chip away: The intransitive form, meaning to work persistently at something.
    • He chipped away until the problem was solved.
  • Erode (verb): To gradually wear away. A close synonym, often used interchangeably in figurative contexts.
  • Whittle away/down (phrasal verb): To reduce something gradually.
Synonyms
  • Erode
  • Undermine
  • Wear down
  • Diminish gradually
Related Idioms
  • Death by a thousand cuts: An idiom describing a situation where many small, negative events lead to a major failure or downfall. This concept is very similar to the effect described by "chip away at."
Verb
  1. remove or withdraw gradually: "These new customs are chipping away at the quality of life"

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