bit by bit

Idioms  

1. Also, little by little. Gradually, by small degrees, slowly. For example, The squirrels dug up the lawn bit by bit, till we had almost no grass, or Little by little he began to understand what John was getting at. The first term was first recorded in 1849, although bit in the sense of “small amount” is much older; the variant dates from the 1400s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bit by bit

Eating the candy bit by bit offers a slow-and-steady flavor release.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

"It's quite a processional experience because people have to go bit by bit through the tapestry," Lewis said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 10, 2026

The reality, which I only began to absorb bit by bit after I ended it, is that my husband was not only a prolific storyteller but also a master manipulator.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2026

"There are so many people desperate for homes, my son has just bought an old house which he'll have to do up bit by bit as he can afford it."

From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2026

She goes back to Laman’s the next day but Michael stays and soon she’s moving in herself bit by bit till she stops going to Laman’s altogether.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt

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