fool away
Definition
Verb (transitive): To waste or squander (something, especially money or time) in a careless, frivolous, or unwise manner. It implies spending or using resources without purpose or benefit, often on trivial things.
Usage
This verb is used with a direct object (the thing being wasted). It often carries a tone of criticism or regret for the wasteful action. The construction is typically: to fool away [something].
Examples
- Direct Object (Money/Wealth):
- He fooled away his entire savings on gambling and expensive cars.
- Don't fool away your inheritance on fleeting pleasures.
- Direct Object (Time/Opportunity):
- She fooled away the afternoon browsing social media instead of studying.
- They fooled away a golden opportunity by not preparing for the meeting.
Advanced Usage
- Emphatic Constructions: The verb can be modified for emphasis.
- He just fooled it all away in a matter of months. (Using "it all" for emphasis.)
- Reflexive Implication: While not grammatically reflexive, the action often negatively impacts the subject.
- By fooling away his time, he fooled away his future.
Variants and Related Words
- Fritter away: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "fool away." It strongly connotes wasting small amounts repeatedly until the whole is gone.
- She frittered away her energy on minor tasks.
- Squander: A more formal synonym, emphasizing wasteful extravagance.
- The company squandered its market advantage.
- Blow (informal): To spend money recklessly.
- He blew his bonus on a luxury watch.
Synonyms
- Waste
- Squander
- Fritter away
- Dissipate
- Misspend
- Throw away
Antonyms
- Save
- Conserve
- Invest
- Husband (resources)
- Utilize wisely
Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms
- Fool around: To spend time idly or without serious purpose. While similar, "fool around" focuses more on the idle activity itself, whereas "fool away" focuses on the thing being wasted.
- Stop fooling around and get to work! (Idle behavior)
- He fooled away the day. (He wasted the time of the day.)
- Throw money down the drain: An idiom meaning to waste money completely.
- Buying that unreliable car was like throwing money down the drain.
Verb
-
spend frivolously and unwisely
-
Fritter away one's inheritance
-
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