make headway

US /meɪk ˈhɛdˌweɪ/
UK /meɪk ˈhɛdˌweɪ/
"make headway" picture
1.

to make progress or move forward, especially when it is difficult

:
Despite the challenges, they managed to make headway on the project.
It's hard to make headway when you're constantly interrupted.