The phrase "idled away" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈaɪdld əˈweɪ/. The first part, "idled," has the sound of "eye" followed by the "d" sound and the "led" sound (like "fed" or "bed"). The second part, "away," has the "a" sound, followed by the "w" sound and the "ay" sound (like "say" or "pay"). This phrase can be used to describe someone wasting time or doing nothing productive.
The phrase "idled away" means to pass time aimlessly or unproductively, typically by engaging in activities of little or no value or importance. It suggests the act of doing nothing constructive or purposeful while time slips away unnoticed. This term conveys a sense of wasting or squandering time by engaging in idle or trivial pursuits.
When someone idles away, they may be seen engaging in activities that serve no practical purpose, such as mindlessly scrolling through social media, daydreaming, or procrastinating. The emphasis lies on the lack of involvement in meaningful actions or the absence of productive effort. The individual may be consciously or unconsciously avoiding tasks or responsibilities that require attention and action.
The phrase can also connote a sense of indulgence or luxury, as it implies that the individual has the leisure to avoid actively engaging in work or other important activities. It may be used to express disapproval or critique regarding one's use of time in a non-constructive manner.
Overall, "idled away" captures the concept of wasting time in unproductive or idle pursuits, serving as a reminder to utilize time wisely and prioritize meaningful endeavors.
The word "idled" comes from the Middle English term "ydel", which originated from the Old English word "idel". This Old English word meant "empty", "useless", or "vain". The prefix "id-" in Old English was often used to signify a negation or absence.
The term "away" is derived from the Middle English word "awaye" or "awey", which was used to indicate a sense of movement, separation, or removal.
When combined, "idled away" suggests that someone is spending time in a manner that is empty, unproductive, or without purpose, while also implying a movement or separation from a particular place or task.