whittle away

• Фразовый глагол, означающий постепенное уменьшение или сокращение чего-либо, часто понемногу.

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

uncountable · transitive · phrasal, separable

1. Reduce graduallyinformal

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

   Постепенно уменьшать

   • 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.

   Synonymscut downdecreasedepletediminisherodelessenpare downreduceshavetrimwear away

   Antonymsaccumulateaddaugmentbuildincrease

2. formal

   To carve or shape wood by cutting small pieces off.

   Вырезать или придавать форму

   • 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.

   Synonymscarvepareshapeshavetrimwhittle

Base verbwhittle