Chip away at Meaning in English
expression
ˈtʃɪp/ /əˈweɪ/ /ˈæt
CHIP-uh-WAY-at
tʃˈɪp/ /ɐwˈeɪ/ /ˈæt
CHIP-uh-WAY-at
Definition
To gradually make something weaker, smaller, or less effective by repeatedly removing small parts or making slow progress.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic phrasal verb, often used for tasks, problems, or obstacles that require persistence. It's generally used in a figurative sense (not about actual physical chipping). Common with words like 'problem', 'debt', 'confidence', 'resistance'. Rarely literal.
Spanish: desgastar poco a poco - ir minandoPortuguese (BR): desgastar aos poucos - ir minandoPortuguese (PT): desgastar pouco a pouco - ir minandoChinese (Simplified): 逐步削弱 - 一点点蚕食Chinese (Traditional): 逐步削弱 - 一點點蠶食Hindi: धीरे-धीरे कम करना - थोड़ा-थोड़ा तोड़नाArabic: يُنقّص تدريجيًا - يُضعف شيئًا فشيئًاBengali: ধীরে ধীরে ক্ষয় করা - ধাপে ধাপে কমিয়ে ফেলাRussian: постепенно разрушать - понемногу уменьшатьJapanese: 徐々に減らす - 少しずつ削り取るVietnamese: làm suy giảm dần dần - gặm nhấm từng chút mộtKorean: 조금씩 약화시키다 - 조금씩 줄이다Turkish: yavaş yavaş azaltmak - adım adım aşındırmakUrdu: آہستہ آہستہ کم کرنا - رفتہ رفتہ کمزور کرناIndonesian: mengikis secara perlahan - mengurangi sedikit demi sedikit
Example Sentences
We chip away at our homework every night.
basic
Over time, rain can chip away at stone.
basic
She is chipping away at her debt a little each month.
basic
If you keep chipping away at it, you’ll finish the project eventually.
natural
Negative comments can chip away at your confidence.
natural
Bit by bit, they chipped away at the old traditions.
natural