Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪdə͡lz ɐwˈe͡ɪ] (IPA) 
The phrase "idles away" is spelled with the /aɪ/ diphthong for the second syllable, which sounds like "eye". The "d" in "idles" is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative sound /ð/, similar to the "th" sound in the word "this". The word "away" is spelled with the /eɪ/ diphthong for the last syllable, which sounds like "ay". Together, the phrase means to pass time in a leisurely or sluggish manner.
Idles away is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of spending time in a lazy, unproductive, or aimless manner, often by doing nothing or engaging in idle activities. It conveys a sense of wasting time or squandering opportunities for more productive pursuits.
When someone idles away their time, they indulge in activities that do not contribute to progress, development, or achievement of goals. They may spend hours on social media, watching mindless television shows, or simply lounging around without purpose or direction. This term suggests a lack of enthusiasm, motivation, or engagement in meaningful activities.
Idling away can also imply an absence of responsibility or focus. It is often associated with procrastination or failure to seize opportunities for growth or self-improvement. People who consistently idle away their time may find themselves falling behind in their studies, careers, or personal endeavors.
The concept of idling away is not limited to individuals; it can also be applied to businesses or organizations that waste resources, including time, money, and manpower, without generating any meaningful outcomes. In such contexts, idling away suggests a lack of productivity or efficiency.
Overall, idles away conveys a sense of passivity, inertia, and missed opportunities. It is antithetical to being proactive, disciplined, and purposeful in utilizing one's time and resources effectively.
The phrase "idles away" consists of two parts: "idle" and "away".
The word "idle" comes from the Old English term "īdlian" which meant "to be empty or useless". Over time, it evolved to mean "to spend time doing nothing or to be inactive".
The word "away" has roots in the Old English word "onweg" or "weg". It denoted movement or departure from a particular place.
When combined as "idles away", the phrase suggests spending time in an unproductive or unoccupied manner, essentially wasting time or engaging in leisure without purpose.
