wear thin

1. Become less convincing, acceptable, or popular, as in His excuses are wearing thin . [First half of 1990s] Both usages transfer the thinning of a physical object, such as cloth, to nonmaterial characteristics.

2. Be weakened or diminished gradually, as in My patience is wearing thin . [Late 1800s]

Related Words

• erode
• frazzle
• unravel
• wear away