whittle away

• Verbo frasal que significa reduzir ou diminuir algo gradualmente, aos poucos, muitas vezes até que quase não reste nada; também pode indicar o ato de corroer ou minar algo lentamente.

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

incontável · transitivo · phrasal, separável

1. Reduce graduallyinformal

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

   Reduzir gradualmente

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscut downdecreasedepletediminisherodelessenpare downreduceshavetrimwear away

   Antônimosaccumulateaddaugmentbuildincrease

2. formal

   To carve or shape wood by cutting small pieces off.

   Entalhar ou modelar

   • 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.

   Sinônimoscarvepareshapeshavetrimwhittle

Verbo basewhittle