The phrase "whiled away hours" means to pass time idly or pleasantly. The spelling of "whiled" is pronounced /waɪld/ with a long "i" sound and a voiced "l" followed by a "d" at the end. This spelling is consistent with words like "child" and "wild". "Away" is pronounced /əˈweɪ/ with an unstressed "a" sound and a long "e" sound. "Hours" is pronounced /ˈaʊərz/ with a sound like "ow" and a voiced "r" followed by a "z" sound. Together they create a pleasing alliteration of the "w" and "h" sounds.
The phrase "whiled away hours" refers to the act of spending a considerable amount of time in a leisurely or unproductive manner. It implies engaging in activities that are enjoyable, entertaining, but ultimately do not contribute significantly to one's productivity or responsibilities. "Whiled away hours" suggests indulging in activities solely for the purpose of amusement, often implying a sense of escapism or the desire to fill time.
The phrase carries a connotation of relaxation and disengagement from more serious or important pursuits. It implies a state of passivity or idleness, where time seems to be spent effortlessly or effortlessly squandered. Such activities could vary, ranging from simple leisurely hobbies like reading books, watching movies or television shows, playing games, engaging in aimless conversations, or simply daydreaming.
"Whiling away hours" can be seen as a form of escapism or a temporary retreat from the pressures of everyday life. It suggests a desire to forget one's obligations or responsibilities and temporarily disconnect from the demands of the real world. This phrase often implies a sense of enjoying a period of unstructured or uncommitted time and giving in to the pleasure of doing nothing particularly productive. However, it should be noted that while "whiling away hours" may provide temporary relief, it might not contribute to personal growth or long-term fulfillment in a significant way.