grinds down
Slowly wears thin
Grinds down means to wear away or reduce something gradually through persistent pressure or friction.
Physically, stone grinds down to sand over centuries; figuratively, relentless demands or hardships grind down a person's resistance, spirit, or patience.
The daily commute really grinds you down after a while.
The phrase emphasizes slow, cumulative erosion rather than sudden destruction—what grinds down doesn't break all at once but weakens steadily until nothing remains.
- millGrain-crushing facility
- attritionGradual reduction through loss
- war of attritionProlonged conflict draining both sides
- slow burnGradual buildup of rage
- pulverizationCrushing into fine particles
abrasion · oppression · weakening · demoralization · disheartenment · erosion · fatigue · bone tired · burnout · weathering · scraping · deterioration · exhaustion · running on empty · sanding · chafing · breakdown · filing
grinds downbuilds up
Accumulates gradually
accumulates · deposits · accretes · augments · coats
grinds downbuilds up
Accumulates gradually
uplifts · energizes · invigorates · inspires · revitalizes