over time, (something happens)

Use the phrase "over time" to describe how something changes, little by little, as time passes. For example:

Their marriage was arranged by their families, but over time they grew to love each other.

Over time, her demands became more and more unreasonable.

"Over time" can come before or after the action that's associated with it:

You'll get used to it over time.

crud

"Crud" is kind of like "dirt". But while "dirt" is technically stuff that comes from the ground, "crud" could be anything. "Crud" could be things like:

• dust
• dried toothpaste
• useless files on your computer
• a mixture of dirt, dust, and oil on the chain of your bicycle

(something) builds up

Something that "builds up" becomes stronger or thicker over time by gradually adding more and more. For example:

No one cleans over there, so the grease just keeps building up.

You have to gradually build up a base of clients.

In the example above, the speaker wants to explain that crud gradually becomes thicker and thicker inside the car's engine.

Some other things that also "build up" include:

• build up your confidence
• build up military forces
• build up tension (in a movie, book, or TV show)