wear something down

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

▪ I. ˌwear ˈdown | ˌwear sthˈdown derived
to become, or make sth become, gradually smaller or smoother by continuously using or rubbing it
•Notice how the tread on this tyre has worn down.
Main entry: ↑wear_derived
 
▪ II. ˌwear sb/sthˈdown derived
to make sb/sth weaker or less determined, especially by continuously attacking or putting pressure on them or it over a period of time
•Her persistence paid off and she eventually wore me down.
•This relentless pressure began to wear down their resistance.
Main entry: ↑wear_derived