by degrees

Idioms  

1. Gradually, by successive steps or stages. For example, By degrees he began to delegate more and more of his duties to his staff. [Mid-1500s] Also see by inches.

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Example Sentences

Sir Geoffrey said: "Both government and the BBC should seriously think about how the World Service's influence can be bolstered around the world, rather than risk its reach withering by degrees year on year."

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

This broke down by degrees, critically in the Sicilian Expedition of 415-413 B.C., when Athens tried and failed to annex Syracuse, a Spartan ally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Their comments were by degrees somewhat less offensive than those of Martinez.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2022

That said, failing to limit screen content does open the door to harm, by degrees, so weigh that risk and your options for minimizing it, if any.

From Washington Post • Sep. 20, 2022

Millers, who was the other nurse, retired into the house, and by degrees the child’s wailing was hushed and stopped, as if it were a young ventriloquist with something in its mouth.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens