989 - Chisel Away At - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

989 - Chisel Away At - Phrasal Verbs in a Minute | Happy English

Author: Michael DiGiacomo Happy English February 13, 2026 Duration: 1:30
Hey there! It’s Michael here, and welcome back to Phrasal Verbs in a Minute from Happy English. I’m here every Friday with a quick one-point lesson to help you learn a new phrasal verb and sound more natural when you speak.

Today’s phrasal verb is chisel away at. A chisel is a tool used to shape wood, a little at a time. When you chisel away at a task, it means you work on it little by little over time. 
  • Like my friend Alex has been chiseling away at writing his novel for the past year. He only writes a few pages a week, but it’s adding up.
  • And my neighbor has been chiseling away at renovating his house - one room at a time.
  • These days, I’m chiseling away at improving my Japanese reading and writing. A little practice every day really makes a difference.

So how about you? What’s something you’ve been chiseling away at recently? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the next Happy English Podcast and next week’s Phrasal Verbs in a Minute.

Hey, thanks for listening - and until next time, keep learning and keep it cool.


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Ever feel like you're missing a piece of the puzzle when you hear native English speakers chat? That's where Happy English Podcast comes in, hosted by Michael DiGiacomo. This isn't about dry textbook rules; it's about the living, breathing language you actually encounter. Each episode feels like a friendly conversation, breaking down the nuances that can trip you up. You'll find yourself understanding the subtle differences between confusing words, getting a handle on those tricky phrasal verbs that seem to change meaning constantly, and even picking up the rhythm and pronunciation of everyday American English. The focus is always on practical use, whether it's mastering common idioms that add color to your speech or clarifying grammar points in a way that sticks. Designed for learners at any stage, the podcast turns complicated topics into manageable, even enjoyable, lessons. The goal is to build your confidence so you can express yourself more naturally and understand more of the world around you. Tune in and discover how approachable learning a language can be, one clear and helpful episode at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Happy English Podcast
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