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nip at

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nip at someone or something

to bite at someone or something. The dog nipped at the visitor, but didn't cause any real harm. A small dog nipped at my heels.

See also: nip

nip at

v.

1. To grab and pinch or bite: The fish nipped at our feet when we walked in the pond.

2. To bite or sting with the cold: The wind was nipping at our nose.

3. To sip some drink, often alcoholic, in small amounts: They were caught nipping at the whiskey again.

See also: nip