Chip at Meaning in English
expression
释义
To gradually remove small pieces from something, or to slowly reduce or weaken something step by step.
用法与细微差别
Usually used figuratively to describe slow progress in overcoming an obstacle, reducing a problem, or wearing something down. Common with objects ("chip at the wall") or abstract issues ("chip at the debt"). Rare in very formal settings. Often confused with "chip in" (to contribute).
例句
We need to chip at this stone to make it smooth.
basic
Bit by bit, they chipped at the old paint on the wall.
basic
I try to chip at my homework so it doesn’t pile up.
basic
She’s been chipping at her student loans for years, but there’s still a lot left.
natural
If you chip at the problem every day, it’ll get smaller over time.
natural
After months of work, we finally started to chip at the mountain of paperwork.
natural