What are the definitions of “fiddle away”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Waste time.
He FIDDLED AWAY the afternoon.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fiddle away”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fiddle away is to waste time, usually by doing unimportant or unproductive activities. It means that someone is not using their time wisely or efficiently.
What are the different verb forms of “fiddle away”?
| Root Verb | fiddle away |
| Third Person Singular Present | fiddles away |
| Present Participle | fiddling away |
| Simple Past | fiddled away |
| Past Participle | fiddled away |
Example
She tends to fiddle away her weekends watching TV.
Example
He fiddles away his free time playing video games.
Example
They are fiddling away their summer vacation instead of working on their projects.
Example
Yesterday, I fiddled away the whole day browsing the internet.
Example
The time has been fiddled away, and now we have to rush to finish the task.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fiddle away”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“fiddle away” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
She fiddled away the entire morning.
Example
He fiddled away instead of studying for the exam.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fiddle away” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She fiddled away the entire morning.
Example
He fiddled away instead of studying for the exam.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fiddle away”?
Good things to know
Does “fiddle away” have an informal or formal tone?
Fiddle away is an informal phrasal verb that is more commonly used in casual conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings. Instead, more formal synonyms like 'waste' or 'squander' can be used.
