in (dribs|drips) and drabs
1
used to describe something happening or being available in very small amounts
The idiom "dribs and drabs" has been in use in English since at least the 16th century. Both "drib" and "drab" originally referred to small, often irregular amounts. This phrase is used to describe small, scattered, or intermittent amounts of something, often implying that these amounts are inadequate or insufficient.It is typically used when discussing the sporadic or fragmented nature of events, information, or resources.
- She saved money in dribs and drabs, so it took a while to reach her savings goal.
- Progress on the project has been slow, with work happening in dribs and drabs.
- Donations for the charity arrived in dribs and drabs, making it difficult to plan the program.
- The rain came down in drips and drabs, with brief showers followed by clear skies.
- He shared details of the story in drips and drabs, making it difficult to understand the entire narrative.