Phrasal verb
chip away
Definition
phrasal verb. to gradually make something smaller or weaker by removing small parts over time. You use this when you are slowly solving a big problem or reducing a lead in a game.
phrasal verb. to gradually reduce the size, strength, or effectiveness of something through persistent, incremental effort. Often functions as an intransitive phrasal verb followed by the preposition 'at'.
Examples
“They are chipping away at the old paint on the wall.”
“The team was losing by twenty points, but they managed to chip away at the lead and eventually won the game.”
“Persistent investigative journalism began to chip away at the politician's carefully constructed public image, eventually revealing the corruption beneath.”
Examples
simple
“They are chipping away at the old paint on the wall.”
contextual
“The team was losing by twenty points, but they managed to chip away at the lead and eventually won the game.”
complex
“Persistent investigative journalism began to chip away at the politician's carefully constructed public image, eventually revealing the corruption beneath.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'at' when specifying the object being reduced.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'reduce' or 'cut'; 'chip away' emphasizes the slow, piece-by-piece nature of the process.
Pitfall
They are chipping away the problem.
They are chipping away at the problem.
When used figuratively to mean gradual reduction, the preposition 'at' is required before the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
chip + away + at + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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