1. (

• bit-by-bit ,
• in_small_stages ,
• piecemeal ,
• step-by-step ,
• stepwise

) one thing at a time ;

1. (

• piecemeal ,
• little_by_little ,
• bit_by_bit ,
• in_stages

) a little bit at a time; "the research structure has developed piecemeal" ;