Pronunciation: [pˈɛk at] (IPA) 
The phrase "peck at" is pronounced /pɛk æt/ and refers to the action of repeatedly picking at something with the beak, as birds do. The first part of the word is spelled with an "e" sound represented by the IPA symbol /ɛ/, and the second part is pronounced with the "a" sound written as /æ/. The spelling of "peck" is consistent with many other English words where the letter "e" signals the short vowel sound /ɛ/, such as "pet" and "pen".
The phrase "peck at" is a verb phrasal idiom that has multiple meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it refers to the act of repeatedly nibbling or eating in small amounts, usually in a cautious or hesitant manner. It can be used to describe the behavior of birds when they repeatedly pick at or nibble on their food. Furthermore, it can also depict the action of poking or tapping at something repeatedly and lightly using small, hesitant movements.
Metaphorically, "peck at" can be employed to represent the action of criticizing, belittling, or finding fault with someone or something in a repetitive and petty manner. It signifies the act of nitpicking or constantly focusing on trivial or minor flaws. This definition is often used when describing someone who continuously finds fault in others' work or constantly picks on insignificant details, hindering progress or causing unnecessary frustration.
Additionally, "peck at" can convey the notion of gradually and persistently working on something, often in a slow or meticulous manner. It portrays the idea of making incremental progress or diligently chipping away at a task. This definition is often used when describing someone who takes small, deliberate steps to accomplish a larger goal or when discussing the process of gradually improving or refining a project or skill over time.
The phrase "peck at" is a combination of the verb "peck" and the preposition "at".
The verb "peck" comes from Middle English "pecken", which was derived from the Old English word "peccan". "Peccan" referred to the action of striking or picking with a beak or similar pointed instrument. It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "pecken" and the Old High German word "pechan", both with similar meanings.
The preposition "at" is a word of Old English origin, derived from the Old Norse word "at", meaning "to, for". It has been used in English since the 9th century and is commonly used to indicate direction or intention.
Together, "peck at" suggests the action of repeatedly striking or picking at something with a beak or similar pointed instrument.
