whittle away
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Trendforce, a research firm, said China’s manufacturing advantage could help it whittle away at America’s lead, since it could deploy humanoids faster at scale.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026
At first, she was content to whittle away at her debt by making the minimum payments for perhaps two decades.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2025
Then, as Joe tries and fails to whittle away at Brontë’s sense of self in a bid to regain her affections, he realizes that he has lost control.
From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2025
This multistep framework has enabled Los Angeles to propose bold, acclaimed reforms in its original plan only to whittle away its most effective provisions in the following years.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 24, 2024
At length Alec took out his knife, and began, for very vacancy, to whittle away at the desk before him.
From Alec Forbes of Howglen by George MacDonald
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