while away time

Frequency: 6.02.5 per million words

to spend time in a relaxed way, often because you are waiting for something else to happen

while awayVERB + NOUN (as object)

Categories:

time

Examples (10)

  • We often while away the time by reading books during long train journeys.
  • She likes to while away her time in the garden, listening to the birds.
  • To while away the time until his flight, he decided to play a game on his phone.
  • They spent the afternoon whiling away the time at a quiet cafe.
  • Instead of worrying, try to find something relaxing to while away the time.
  • The children were told to while away the time with their toys while their parents were busy.
  • How do you usually while away the time when you're stuck in traffic?
  • He used to while away his time drawing cartoons during boring lectures.
  • Sitting by the window, she would often while away the time watching people pass by.
  • Don't just while away your time; make sure you're doing something productive too.