whittle away
US /ˈwɪt.əl əˈweɪ/
UK /ˈwɪt.əl əˈweɪ/
1.
afbrokkelen, wegknagen
to reduce something in size, amount, or importance gradually
:
•
The constant criticism began to whittle away at her confidence.
De constante kritiek begon haar zelfvertrouwen weg te knagen.
•
They are trying to whittle away at our rights.
Ze proberen onze rechten af te brokkelen.