Death by a thousand paper cuts Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A situation where many small problems or minor damages accumulate over time until they cause a major failure or serious harm.
Usage & Nuances
This expression is informal and metaphorical. Commonly used in business, technology, or life situations to describe cumulative minor issues. Not about actual physical harm but repeated small problems adding up.
Example Sentences
The company closed after experiencing death by a thousand paper cuts from many small issues.
basic
Fixing one bug isn't enough if you're facing death by a thousand paper cuts.
basic
He quit his job because of death by a thousand paper cuts; the stress added up over time.
basic
Our software isn't failing because of one big bug—it's death by a thousand paper cuts.
natural
Sometimes a relationship ends not because of one event, but through death by a thousand paper cuts.
natural
The project failed slowly, a classic case of death by a thousand paper cuts.
natural