while away

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to pass (time) idly and usually pleasantly

Idioms and Phrases

Spend time idly or pleasantly, as in It was a beautiful day and we whiled away the hours in the garden. This expression is the only surviving use of the verb while, meaning “to spend time.” [First half of 1600s]

Example Sentences

He added, “This is a little while away from becoming commonplace.”

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Such is the life of a modern player, hopping from one hobby to another while away from the day job.

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She lives alone, and whiles away the time watching cute animal videos on her phone as she lies on the floor.

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In the neighbouring Jiangxi province, an air-conditioned restaurant has become a hotspot for elderly folks to while away their afternoons without ordering any food - to the chagrin of restaurant staff, local media reported.

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Discussing the time frame, Herbert says the new version is "a while away".

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Related Words

• consume 
• devote 
• employ 
• go 
• kill 
• put in 
• waste