dribs and drabs

D

in dribs and drabs

Meaning:

• in small irregular quantities
• in small pieces, bit by bit

Examples:

1. The checks for the charity are coming in dribs and drabs.
2. The water is coming in dribs and drabs from the pipe.
3. This poetry is being written in dribs and drabs.
4. George paid the borrowed money from me in dribs and drabs.
5. He started earning money in dribs and drabs but now he is a successful businessman.
6. I don’t like the way you do your work in dribs and drabs, please finish it immediately.

Origin:
We currently have no information about the origin of this idiomatic expression.