grinding down
Slowly wearing thin
Grinding down is wearing something away gradually through persistent pressure or friction.
Physically, you grind down a surface by repeated abrasion.
More often the phrase describes slow, relentless erosion of resistance, energy, or morale: The endless meetings were grinding down her enthusiasm.
To grind someone down is to exhaust them through sustained pressure until they yield or break.
- attritionGradual reduction through loss
- war of attritionProlonged conflict draining both sides
- death by a thousand cutsCumulative minor injuries killing
- abrasionShallow surface wound
- weakenReduce in strength
chipping away · polishing · undermine · erosion · pulverize · demoralization · crush · burnout · running on empty · hopelessness · effacing · discouragement · slow burn · fatigue · bone tired · deterioration · frazzle · white knuckle
grinding downbuilding up
Increasing gradually
accumulating · amassing · constructing · piling on · layering
grinding downuplifting
Emotionally encouraging
inspiring · invigorating · energizing · empowering · encouraging
grinding downbuilding up
Increasing gradually
strengthening · fortifying · bolstering · reinforcing · shoring up
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