chip away

• Partikelverb, das bedeutet, nach und nach kleine Stücke von etwas abzuschlagen oder etwas beharrlich allmählich zu verringern oder zu schwächen.

A phrasal verb meaning to gradually break off small pieces from something, or to persistently reduce or diminish something over time.

unzählbar · intransitiv · Phrasal, untrennbar

1. formal

   To break off small pieces from a hard surface, often repeatedly.

   Abbrechen

   • He chipped away at the ice block with a pickaxe.
   • The sculptor chipped away the stone to reveal the statue.
   • They chipped away the old paint from the wooden door.

   Synonymebreak offchipflakeflake offscale

2. Gradually reduce or destroyinformal

   To gradually reduce, weaken, or destroy something, such as an obstacle, problem, or resistance.

   Allmählich verringern oder zerstören

   • She chipped away at his confidence with constant criticism.
   • The team chipped away at the lead of the opposing team.
   • They chipped away at the bureaucracy to get the permit approved.

   Synonymebreak downcorrodediminisheat awayerodeunderminewear awaywear downwhittle away

   Antonymebolsterbuildfortifyreinforcestrengthen

Grundverbchip