nach und nach
Translation
gradually, little by little, by and by
Examples
Nach und nach verstand ich das Problem.
Gradually, I understood the problem.
Die Blätter fallen nach und nach vom Baum.
The leaves are falling from the tree little by little.
Grammar Patterns
nach und nach ((to do sth.)) to do sth. gradually It got dark nach und nach.
Similar Words
Synonyms: allmählich, langsam aber sicher, schrittweise
Etymology
The word 'nach' (after) is repeated with 'und' (and). Literally 'after and after', suggesting a sequence of small steps.
Memory Tips
Imagine building something with Lego, placing one brick 'nach' (after) another, 'und' (and) then another brick 'nach' that one. You build it 'nach und nach'.