1. To gradually reduce or diminish something in size, amount, or effectiveness through small, continuous actions
The budget cuts continued to whittle away at the department's resources.
Os cortes orçamentários continuaram a reduzir gradualmente os recursos do departamento.
2. To shape wood by carving away small pieces with a knife
He spent the afternoon whittling away at a block of wood to create a small figure.
Ele passou a tarde esculpindo uma madeira, cortando pequenos pedaços para criar uma pequena figura.