Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Little by little

gradually

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "little by little" is gradually. It means something that happens slowly or in small steps. The idiom is thought to have originated in the 14th century, and it is believed to be a reference to the way that small amounts of something can add up to a larger amount over time.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect. A few means a small number of things. Not much means a small amount of something. Only once means something that happened only one time.