Present participle for to cut away at something
“To shape the arrows, you first need to whittle the wood so that it is smooth around its circumference.”
Present participle for to form or shape something by cutting
“You can whittle away at the round peg until it fits in the square hole.”
Present participle for to gradually reduce in size, amount, or extent
“Tory MPs will whittle the candidates down to two in a series of ballots starting on October 18.”
Present participle for to diminish in strength or potency
“As hardships, mutiny and betrayal whittle away his power to endure and to lead, his attachment to Laura gradually increases.”
Present participle for to knock or cut pieces off (a hard material)
Present participle for to cut (a thin slice or slices) from the surface of something
Related Words and Phrases
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