chip away

1. (idiomatic)To reduce or weaken bit by bit; often used with at.

1. Let's just chip away at this long list for now, shall we?

   CC BY · Tatoeba · mccarras · B2Open on TatoebaReport a problem

2. Our enemies want to chip away our territories.

   CC BY · Tatoeba · Amastan · B2Open on TatoebaReport a problem

3. He alters the altar while chipping away the stone.

   CC BY · Tatoeba · jamessilver · B2Open on TatoebaReport a problem

4. Each setback chipped away at my confidence and self-worth.

   CC BY · Tatoeba · Nuel · B2Open on TatoebaReport a problem

5. They’re using an excavator and hand picks to try and chip away, desperately hoping to find more survivors.

   CC0 · Tatoeba · Cangarejo · C2Open on TatoebaReport a problem

irregular

• chip inдати, даватиTo make a contribution; help in a small way; especially, to pay for a part of something.
• chip upTo cause something to have chips, cracks or dents.
• chip awayTo reduce or weaken bit by bit; often used with at.
• chip intoSynonym of chip in (to contribute to (something))