grind down
Upper Intermediate (B2) neutral
To slowly crush or tire someone out through pressure, or to make something smaller by rubbing it against a hard surface.
"He used a file to grind down the sharp edge of the metal bracket."
Hear it in context
We Finally Know What’s Really Buried Under Antarctica
Astrum Earth · 23:08
erosion would grind down such old mountains into hills.
GRANDMASTER!!!!!!!
GothamChess · 13:36
is going to try to grind down his opponent.
Climate change or just crazy weather? The Climate Question | BBC World Service
BBC World Service · 19:51
But actually, when you grind down into the details,
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Kings and Generals · 246:37
which only served to grind down his own army’s
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ChrisFix · 13:36
those fine adjustments to grind down whatever you're working on.