nibble away at

nibble (away) at (something)

1. Literally, to eat something at a slow pace and in small bites. I wonder if Mary isn't feeling well—she only nibbled at her dinner. He sat on the bench, happily nibbling away at his cookie.
2. To erode something in small increments over time. Corrosion has been nibbling away at the hull of my boat for the past few years.
3. To bite something very softly so as not to break the surface. He started nibbling at my elbows, thinking it would turn me on.
See also: nibble

nibble (away) on (something)

1. Literally, to eat something at a slow pace and in small bites. I wonder if Mary isn't feeling well—she only nibbled on her dinner. He sat on the bench, happily nibbling away on his cookie.
2. To bite something very softly so as not to break the surface. He started nibbling on my elbows, thinking it would turn me on.
See also: nibble, on

nibble away at something

to eat at something in tiny bits; to erode away tiny bits of something. The waves nibbled away at the base of the cliff, year after year. The mice nibbled away at the huge wheel of cheese.
See also: away, nibble
References in periodicals archive ?
4) 2 Ill (6) 4 Optimism (4) 5 Hard smooth stone used for statues (6) 6 Dull and ordinary (7) 9 Plant with colourful scented flowers (7) 11 Crescent-shaped nut (6) 12 Climb (6) 14 Open-mouthed in awe (4) 15 Nibble away at (4) SOLUTION to Crossword -June 17 ACROSS 1 Dusk, 3 Opaque, 7 Skip, 8 Boxing, 10 Aperitif, 13 Pavilion, 16 Hermit, 17 Bill, 18 Pamper, 19 Fear.
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Thefirm'sspokesman Wayne Lincoln said: "Saturday's stubborn Windiesbattingand sloppy England catching saw our clients nibble away at yesterday's opening Windies runsquoteof319-334,getting braver with their buys as the sessionwenton
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They suck and nibble away at dead and dry skin, leaving your feet feel refreshed and silky smooth.
Treat to my feet thanks to a tank full of fish
I'VE eaten enough fish in my time, so maybe I should return the compliment and allow the fish to nibble away at yours truly.
I'VE eaten enough fish [...]
Originating from the river basins of Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, the fish are renowned for the way they nibble away at dead and damaged skin cells to exfoliate, leaving you with smoother skin after a half an hour treatment.
is it worth it? Claire Rees tried the Garra Rufa fish pedicure at the new Year of the Tiger Health Spa in Penylan, Cardiff
Dollar and drug stores will continue to nibble away at the cheese," says Dr.
Smaller slice of the pie
Visitors can sit in comfort while dangling their legs into a tank of water containing around 150 of the toothless carp and let them nibble away at tough skin flakes.
Feels toe good! Unusual treatment
The problems which subsumed Freedom Direct are facing many other travel companies as the credit crunch continues to nibble away at our annual break.
Better home thoughts from abroad
The metalworking fluid is poured in and the bugs start to nibble away at the toxic chemicals.
Hungry bugs in a bucket help metalwork firms clean up act: bacteria eats toxic chemicals in waste fluid and allows for cheaper, greener disposal
garra ruffa - a toothless water dweller known as "doctor fish" (that's one of the nippers above) - nibble away at dead skin while leaving healthy flesh untouched.
Somefin to touch your sole
But he said, ''Some Japanese bureaucrats may seek to nibble away at this position, but we should hold them to it.
S. Korea didn't want Japan in proposed 6-way talks in early 90s
Felker and Fanta are hoping the hydrophilic starch coating will nibble away at that surplus, either by making plastic films more water-friendly or by another novel application.
Food-grade starch put to new industrial use
You can wallow in the past, allowing regret to rankle and resentment to nibble away at your happiness and self-confidence.
Ask Anna: I keep fantasising about my sexy ex
These minor infractions derail teachers and nibble away at teaching time, says Jean Johnson, senior vice president at Public Agenda.
Culture of trouble makers plaques schools
Unfortunately though, many contingency contracts contain damaging clauses that nibble away at that tenuous bond of trust.
Leading both ways: a well-written and well-explained contingency contract benefits agencies and insurers
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