nipping at
Taking small bites
Nipping at describes repeated small bites or pinches, as a dog might do playfully or a crab defensively: The puppy kept nipping at my ankles.
Cold weather nips at exposed skin.
Figuratively, someone nipping at your heels is close behind and threatening to overtake you: Competitors are nipping at the company's market share.
- chasingFollowing to catch
- pursuingSeeking to attain
- hot on the trailActively closing in
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- biting coldHarsh, penetrating frigidity
Jack Frost · pinching · teasing · hounding · nibbling · edging · stalking · pressuring · provoking · snapping · trailing · closing in · gaining ground · pestering · shadowing · nudging · taunting · overtaking
bite intensity
nipping atgnawing
Persistent biting action
chomping · tearing at · savaging · mauling · ripping into