Phrasal verb
fool away
Definition
phrasal verb. to waste something valuable, like time or money, on silly or unimportant things. You use this when someone is not being serious with their resources.
phrasal verb. To squander or dissipate time, money, or opportunities in a frivolous or idle manner. This transitive phrasal verb emphasizes the foolishness or lack of purpose behind the waste.
Examples
“Don't fool away your morning on social media.”
“He managed to fool away his entire inheritance on luxury travel and parties within a single year.”
“The committee was criticized for fooling away the summer recess instead of drafting the necessary legislation for the autumn session.”
Examples
simple
“Don't fool away your morning on social media.”
contextual
“He managed to fool away his entire inheritance on luxury travel and parties within a single year.”
complex
“The committee was criticized for fooling away the summer recess instead of drafting the necessary legislation for the autumn session.”
Usage
This verb is transitive and typically takes 'time', 'money', or 'an opportunity' as its object.
Teaching tip
Compare this with 'fritter away'; while both mean to waste bit by bit, 'fool away' specifically suggests the person is acting like a fool or being irresponsible.
Pitfall
He was just fooling away in the park.
He was just fooling around in the park.
'Fool away' requires an object that is being wasted, while 'fool around' describes the act of behaving sillily.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
optional
Pattern
fool + away + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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