whittle away
US /ˈwɪt.əl əˈweɪ/
UK /ˈwɪt.əl əˈweɪ/

1.
mengikis, mengurangi secara bertahap
to reduce something in size, amount, or importance gradually
:
•
The constant criticism began to whittle away at her confidence.
Kritik yang terus-menerus mulai mengikis kepercayaannya.
•
They are trying to whittle away at our rights.
Mereka mencoba mengikis hak-hak kita.