Little by little Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Pays The phrase emphasizes the value of continuing effort over time to achieve goals. He wasn't good at math, but little by little, he started to excel. Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Improvements Use to describe changes that aren't obvious immediately but become noticeable over time. Little by little, her English accent started to improve. Pro Tip 3/3Consistent Change It implies that change or growth is happening consistently, even if it's not fast. Their relationship got stronger little by little.