whittle away

• Phrasal verb, das die allmähliche Verringerung oder Reduzierung von etwas bezeichnet, oft Stück für Stück. Es kann auch bedeuten, etwas durch ständiges Nagen oder Kürzen zu untergraben oder aufzulösen.

A phrasal verb meaning to gradually reduce or diminish something, often bit by bit.

unzählbar · transitiv · Phrasal, trennbar

1. Reduce graduallyinformal

   To gradually reduce or diminish something, often by small amounts.

   Allmählich verringern

   • The constant criticism whittled away his confidence.
   • They whittled away at the budget until nothing was left.
   • Her savings were whittled away by unexpected expenses.

   Synonymecut downdecreasedepletediminisherodelessenpare downreduceshavetrimwear away

   Antonymeaccumulateaddaugmentbuildincrease

2. formal

   To carve or shape wood by cutting small pieces off.

   Schnitzen oder formen

   • He whittled away at the block of wood to make a small bird.
   • She whittled away the excess material to create a smooth surface.
   • The craftsman whittled away the bark to reveal the grain.

   Synonymecarvepareshapeshavetrimwhittle

Grundverbwhittle