dribs and drabs

/dɹˈɪbz and dɹˈabz/

/dɹˈɪbz ænd dɹˈæbz/

dribs and drabs

a series of small numbers or amounts

in dribs / drips and drabs

/ɪn dɹˈɪbz and dɹˈabz/

/ɪn dɹˈɪbz ænd dɹˈæbz/

in dribs / drips and drabs

in small numbers or amounts over a stretch of time

Examples

1. Then the state comes along and gives them dribs and drabs of benefit to try to take them out of poverty.

2. They have to obtain dribs and drabs from wherever they can, including charity, to make up their weekly income.

3. The guests began arriving in dribs and drabs.

4. News of the accident is coming in in dribs and drabs.