whittle away
US /ˈwɪt.əl əˈweɪ/
UK /ˈwɪt.əl əˈweɪ/
1.
to reduce something in size, amount, or importance gradually
:
•
The constant criticism began to whittle away at her confidence.
•
They are trying to whittle away at our rights.
to reduce something in size, amount, or importance gradually