chip away at

• Фразовый глагол, используемый для обозначения процесса постепенного уменьшения, разрушения или ослабления чего-либо, часто путем настойчивых усилий или небольших действий.

A phrasal verb used to indicate the act of gradually reducing, breaking down, or diminishing something, often through persistent effort or small actions.

uncountable · intransitive · phrasal, inseparable

1. Gradually reduce or destroyinformal

   To gradually break something down or reduce its size, strength, or effectiveness.

   Постепенно разрушать

   • The constant criticism chipped away at his confidence.
   • They are chipping away at the old stone wall to make a new path.
   • The company's profits are being chipped away by rising costs.

   Synonymscorrodediminisheat awayerodereduceunderminewear downwhittle away

   Antonymsaugmentbolsterfortifyreinforcestrengthen

2. Work persistently on a taskinformal

   To make slow but steady progress on a large or difficult task.

   Постепенно продвигаться

   • She chipped away at her homework all evening.
   • He chipped away at the problem until he found a solution.
   • They are chipping away at the mountain of paperwork.

   Antonymsabandonceaseforgohaltignoreneglectquitshirk

Base verbchip