by degrees
prep_phrase1
In gradual steps; bit by bit.
- She came to us snappish and suspicious, but when she found what sort of place ours was, it all went off by degrees; […][1877], Anna Sewell, “Earlshall”, in Black Beauty: […], London: Jarrold and Sons, […], →OCLC, part II, page 102:
- By degrees the libraries which were unendowed fell behind the age, and were consequently neglected.1880, William Blades, The Enemies of Books, page 36:
1 more example
- When Jem put his foot on the bottom step, the step squeaked. He stood still, then tried his weight by degrees. The step was silent.1960 July 11, Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, Philadelphia, Pa.; New York, N.Y.: J[oshua] B[allinger] Lippincott Company, →OCLC:
- Synonyms
- in order, step by step