Nibble away at
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gradual Impact
The phrase implies a slow, not immediate, effect on something that grows over time.
The consistent late payments began to nibble away at the company's capital.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Sense
Often used to describe something losing value or quality, generally with a negative outcome.
The new policy is nibbling away at employees' trust in management.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical entities, such as time or abstract concepts.
Procrastination nibbles away at my productivity.
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