picks away at
Nibbles at steadily
To pick away at something is to work on it gradually and persistently, making small but steady progress: She's been picking away at her dissertation for months.
The phrase often implies patient effort against something stubborn or overwhelming.
It can also mean to erode or weaken through repeated small attacks: Critics picked away at his credibility until nothing remained.
- chipSmall broken-off piece
- undermineWeaken by stealth
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- scrapeRub harshly against
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
analyze · dissect · gnaw · pry · works on · persist · nag · pecks at · wear down · wears thin · scrutinize · work through · whittle · critique · peel · chisel · weaken · tears down
picks away atsmashes
Breaks forcefully apart
demolishes · blitzes · finishes off · knocks out · overwhelms
picks away atabandons
Ceases to support
quits · drops · neglects · leaves alone · walks away from