by little and little
慢慢地,逐漸
Lit·tle, n.
1. That which is little; a small quantity, amount, space, or the like.
Much was in little writ. --Dryden.
There are many expressions, which carrying with them no clear ideas, are like to remove but little of my ignorance. --Locke.
2. A small degree or scale; miniature. “ His picture in little.”
A little, to or in a small degree; to a limited extent; somewhat; for a short time. =\“ Stay a little.”\=
The painter flattered her a little. --Shak.
-- By little and little, or Little by little, by slow degrees; piecemeal; gradually.