# nip at

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/nip-at
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To sip a drink (usually alcoholic) in small amounts.

## Examples

- He likes to nip at his whiskey while reading.
- She sat by the fire and continued to nip at her glass of wine all evening.
- The elderly gentleman preferred to sit quietly in his study, slowly nipping at a glass of aged brandy as he reflected on the day.

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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.