the world > action or operation > continuing > progress, advance, or further continuance > progress or advance in an action [verb (intransitive)] > make only slight progress (5)
intransitive. To make little progress in a matter; to encounter obstacles or hindrances. Obsolete.
transitive. To make slight linear abrasions on (a surface of any kind). Also figurative. Esp. in to scratch the surface (of): to make only slight…