"Fiddle away" is an idiomatic expression that means to waste time or uselessly occupy oneself with unimportant things. The word "fiddle" is pronounced [ˈfɪdəl], with a short "i" sound as in "sit" and a stress on the first syllable. The second word "away" is pronounced [əˈweɪ], with a stress on the second syllable and a long "a" sound as in "table." The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, as it represents the phonetic sounds of the individual words.
"Fiddle away" is a phrasal verb that means to waste or squander time, often in a frivolous or unproductive manner. The term "fiddle" refers to engaging in idle, aimless, or trifling activities, while the addition of "away" emphasizes the sense of wasting or lavishing time without achieving anything substantial.
This expression typically implies engaging in low-value or meaningless tasks that distract or divert attention from more important or urgent matters. It suggests a lack of focus or discipline, indicating that time is being spent on trivial or unimportant actions instead of being utilized for more productive purposes. It can also suggest a form of procrastination or avoidance of responsibilities.
The phrase "fiddle away" often conveys a sense of disapproval, as it suggests a disregard for the value of time and an inclination towards laziness or unproductivity. It highlights a failure to make efficient or effective use of available time, instead opting for activities that yield little or no meaningful results. It is often used colloquially to describe the squandering of time in a careless or thoughtless manner.
Overall, "fiddle away" refers to wasting time on activities that offer little to no value, diverting attention from more important tasks or responsibilities.
The phrase "fiddle away" is composed of two parts:
1. Fiddle: The word "fiddle" originated from Middle English "fithele" or "fithel", which was borrowed from Old Norse "fiðla", meaning a fiddle or the act of playing a fiddle. It gradually evolved and became known as a stringed musical instrument, similar to a violin. Over time, "fiddling" also came to refer to playing music in a light, playful manner, possibly with a connotation of wasting time or being frivolous.
2. Away: The word "away" has Old English roots, derived from the Middle English "awey" or "aweig". It originally meant "onward" or "from this or that place". In the context of "fiddle away", it signifies the idea of spending time idly or in a non-productive manner.