Whittle away
phrasal verb
To gradually reduce or destroy something.
His savings were whittled away through careless spending.
Often appears as...
- whittle away savings
- whittle away resources
phrasal verb
To use up or waste time.
He whittled away his day playing video games.
Often appears as...
- whittle away hours
- whittle away time
phrasal verb
To gradually reduce or destroy something.
His savings were whittled away through careless spending.
Often appears as...
- whittle away savings
- whittle away resources
phrasal verb
To use up or waste time.
He whittled away his day playing video games.
Often appears as...
- whittle away hours
- whittle away time
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gradual Decline
Emphasizes something being reduced little by little, often subtly.
The old park's beauty was whittled away by neglect.
Pro Tip 2/3Silent Erosion
Indicates the erosion of something in a way that's not immediately noticeable.
Years of harsh weather whittled away the statue's intricate details.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Impact
Used when the reduction of something is undesirable or harmful.
Incessant criticism whittled away her self-esteem.
Pro Tip 1/3Gradual Decline
Emphasizes something being reduced little by little, often subtly.
The old park's beauty was whittled away by neglect.
Pro Tip 2/3Silent Erosion
Indicates the erosion of something in a way that's not immediately noticeable.
Years of harsh weather whittled away the statue's intricate details.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Impact
Used when the reduction of something is undesirable or harmful.
Incessant criticism whittled away her self-esteem.
Pro Tip 1/3Gradual Decline
Emphasizes something being reduced little by little, often subtly.
The old park's beauty was whittled away by neglect.
Pro Tip 2/3Silent Erosion
Indicates the erosion of something in a way that's not immediately noticeable.
Years of harsh weather whittled away the statue's intricate details.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Impact
Used when the reduction of something is undesirable or harmful.
Incessant criticism whittled away her self-esteem.
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