# chip away

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/chip-away
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To reduce or weaken bit by bit; often used with at.

## Examples

- We chip away at the big project every day.
- The team needs to chip away at the debt before they can start saving for a new office.
- By consistently questioning the outdated regulations, the activists managed to chip away at the foundation of the corrupt policy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.