chip away
US /tʃɪp əˈweɪ/
UK /tʃɪp əˈweɪ/
句動詞
1.
少しずつ減らす, 削り取る
to gradually reduce something, especially a problem or a large amount of something
例:
•
We need to chip away at the debt until it's gone.
借金を少しずつ減らしてなくす必要がある。
•
The constant criticism began to chip away at her confidence.
絶え間ない批判が彼女の自信を少しずつ削り始めた。
2.
削り取る, 浸食する
to remove small pieces from something by cutting or breaking them off
例:
•
The sculptor began to chip away at the block of marble.
彫刻家は、大理石の塊を削り始めた。
•
Over time, the waves will chip away at the cliff face.
時間が経つにつれて、波が崖の表面を削り取るだろう。