whale away (third-person singular simple present whales away, present participle whaling away, simple past and past participle whaled away)

2. (intransitive) To whale on something in an ongoing manner (i.e., with progressive aspect).

   The kids had decided to whale away on some pumpkins with baseball bats; it held their interest for a little while.

4. (archaic, intransitive) To talk or preach at length, often excitedly or vehemently; to go on.

   Coordinate terms: rail, rant