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Region: General | Usage example: They rebuilt trust brick by brick.

Brick by brick

Meaning

Step-by-step building or progress.

Usage

Used when describing gradual effort.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Construction imagery of laying bricks sequentially.

Used in motivational speeches and manuals.

Related Idioms

Brick and mortar

Physical businesses with real-world locations.

Move the needle

Make measurable progress.

No pain, no gain

Effort and discomfort are necessary for progress.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.