The term 'whittle away' is a phrase that means to gradually reduce or diminish something. The two crossword solutions for this term are 'ERODE' (5 letters) and 'PARE' (4 letters). Both of these words mean to reduce or remove something, usually in a gradual manner. ERODE specifically refers to the gradual destruction of something by natural forces such as wind or water, while PARE means to cut away or trim something. Therefore, both of these words can be used to describe the process of whittling away something.