General erosion in rhyme? (4,3,4)

I believe the answer is:

wear and tear

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'general erosion' is the definition.
'wear and tear' can be an answer for 'erosion' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'general' bit.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wear and tear that I've seen before include "Deterioration in normal use" , "Damage from ordinary use" , "Natural deterioration" , "uninsurable damage" , "Depreciation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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