# chip away

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/chip-away
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They are chipping away the problem." but "They are chipping away at the problem." — When used figuratively to mean gradual reduction, the preposition 'at' is required before the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.