chip away

• Verbo frasal que significa retirar pequenos pedaços de algo aos poucos, lascando ou desgastando, ou reduzir/ enfraquecer algo de forma gradual e persistente ao longo do tempo.

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

incontável · intransitivo · phrasal, inseparável

1. formal

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

   Lascar

   • 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.

   Sinônimosbreak offchipflakeflake offscale

2. Gradually reduce or destroyinformal

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

   Reduzir ou destruir gradualmente

   • 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.

   Sinônimosbreak downcorrodediminisheat awayerodeunderminewear awaywear downwhittle away

   Antônimosbolsterbuildfortifyreinforcestrengthen

Verbo basechip