Chip away Meaning in English
expression
ˈtʃɪp/ /əˈweɪ
CHIP-uh-WAY
tʃˈɪp/ /ɐwˈeɪ
CHIP-uh-WAY
Definition
To gradually remove small pieces from something, or to slowly reduce or weaken something over time.
Usage & Nuances
Often used metaphorically (e.g., 'chip away at a problem' or 'chip away at confidence'). Usually suggests slow, persistent effort or erosion over time. Rarely used for literal physical removal except with hard surfaces like stone or paint.
Spanish: desprender poco a poco - desgastarPortuguese (BR): desgastar aos poucos - remover aos poucosPortuguese (PT): desgastar aos poucos - remover aos poucosChinese (Simplified): 逐步削弱 - 一点点削掉Chinese (Traditional): 逐步削弱 - 一點點削掉Hindi: धीरे-धीरे हटाना - धीमे-धीमे कम करनाArabic: يُنقِص تدريجيًا - يُزيل شيئًا شيئًاBengali: ধাপে ধাপে ক্ষয় করা - একটু একটু করে সরানোRussian: постепенно подтачивать - понемногу уменьшатьJapanese: 少しずつ削る - 徐々に弱めるVietnamese: làm mòn dần - làm suy giảm dần dầnKorean: 조금씩 깎아내다 - 서서히 약화시키다Turkish: parça parça yok etmek - yavaş yavaş azaltmakUrdu: آہستہ آہستہ ختم کرنا - آہستہ آہستہ کم کرناIndonesian: mengikis perlahan - mengurangi sedikit demi sedikit
Example Sentences
He used a hammer to chip away at the rock.
basic
Water can chip away at stone over many years.
basic
She is trying to chip away at her debt by saving a little every month.
basic
The criticism started to chip away at his confidence.
natural
If you chip away at a big project, you'll get it done eventually.
natural
The new law is slowly chipping away at people's freedom.
natural