chip away
US /tʃɪp əˈwe/
・UK /tʃip əˈwei/
A2
phr. v.Phrasal VerbTo gradually make something weaker or smaller.
The constant criticism was chipping away at her confidence.
phr. v.Phrasal VerbTo remove small pieces of something by hitting it with a tool.
He started to chip away at the ice with an axe.