|
|
Definition |
to complete a task in small parts rather than all at once |
Examples |
1) The artist decided to do it piecemeal
by adding small fragments of colorful tiles one by one.
2) When renovating the old house, we decided to
tackle it piecemeal. |
Etymology |
The phrase originates from Middle English "pese mele," meaning "piece by
piece," where "pece" means "piece" and "mele" means "time," ultimately
describing a step-by-step approach. |
Synonyms |
step by step, bit by bit, little by little |
|
|