Differences between fiddle around and fiddle away
Fiddle around and fiddle away have similar meanings, but fiddle around implies wasting time or being unproductive while doing something, whereas fiddle away implies wasting time or squandering an opportunity.
Meanings and Definitions: fiddle around vs fiddle away
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Fiddle around
- 1Waste time doing silly things, or unsuccessful things.
I FIDDLED AROUND with the phone but couldn't get any signal.
- 2Make small movements with your hands.
He FIDDLED AROUND for something in his pockets.
Fiddle away
- 1Waste time.
He FIDDLED AWAY the afternoon.
Usage Examples: fiddle around, fiddle away in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
fiddle around
Example
She likes to fiddle around with her hair when she's nervous.
Example
He fiddles around with his keys when he's waiting.
fiddle away
Example
She tends to fiddle away her weekends watching TV.
Example
He fiddles away his free time playing video games.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fiddle around
dilly-dally
To waste time or procrastinate.
Example
Stop dilly-dallying and get to work on your project!
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Fiddle away
To waste or miss an opportunity that could have been beneficial.
Example
He squandered the opportunity to invest in the stock market when prices were low.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “fiddle”
Phrasal Verbs with “around”
Phrasal Verbs with “away”
Differences in fiddle around vs fiddle away: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: fiddle around or fiddle away?
Both phrases are used in casual conversations, but fiddle around is more common than fiddle away. People use fiddle around to describe situations where they're not being productive or are wasting time. Fiddle away is less common, but it's used when someone wastes an opportunity or doesn't make the most of their time.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of fiddle around and fiddle away
Both fiddle around and fiddle away are informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of fiddle around and fiddle away
The tone of fiddle around and fiddle away can differ based on context. Fiddle around often carries a playful or lighthearted tone when related to wasting time or being unproductive, while fiddle away typically has a more negative connotation, implying that someone is wasting an opportunity or not making the most of their time.
fiddle around & fiddle away: Synonyms and Antonyms
Fiddle around
Antonyms
- focus
- concentrate
- work diligently
- be productive
- be efficient
- be effective
