fritter away

They fear the worst, dread failure, dampen their own confidence, and therefore fritter away their own energy.

I repeat that you fritter away your talents and your opportunities upon this miserable task-work on a journal.

Do not fritter away strength in trifles; begin at once upon the duties which call for instant obedience.

It seemed to him a little like 'babying' to fritter away the few minutes remaining in safety play.

It is so much nobler to work than it is to fritter away a life doing nothing.