in small stages
- idiom
- She learned the language in small stages, practicing a little each day.
Examples
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If we tackle this task in small stages, it won't feel so overwhelming.
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The project progressed in small stages rather than with major leaps.
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You should learn to play the piano in small stages.
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Can we complete this in small stages?
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If we tackle this task in small stages, it won't feel so overwhelming.
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She learned the language in small stages, practicing a little each day.
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The project progressed in small stages rather than with major leaps.
Synonyms
65
1.8
In a gradual way, doing each part one after another
37
2.8
To do a task slowly, handling each part before the next
36
2.3
Gradually in small amounts over time
33
2.8
Done in separate parts, each finished before the next
20
2.7
A little at a time
16
7.0
Happening in small parts over time instead of all at once
15
3.5
You do things gradually, finishing one part before the next
10
3.6
To keep moving forward step by step despite problems
2
6.0
Happens in small steps rather than all at once
1
3.5
Happens slowly, a little at a time
Antonyms
How Gradual
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'by proceeding gradually' is directly derivable from the constituents: 'in' marks manner, 'small' limits size/amount, and 'stages' means phases or steps, so 'in small stages' = in small steps. This is a regular compositional pattern found in many languages and follows standard English adjective + noun phrasing, so a B1 learner who knows the words will readily infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
The phrase in small stages gives a clear picture: think of moving forward in small stages, where each stage is a single step on a staircase. That's why it means 'gradually' or 'doing a little at a time'.