tuck away
C1Informal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To place something in a safe, concealed, or out-of-the-way location.
To store, hide, or save for future use; also used informally to mean eating a large amount of food quickly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb often implies more than mere storage—it suggests careful placement for safekeeping, hiding, or saving, frequently with an emotional or practical value attached. The 'eating' sense is informal and often humorous.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both the primary and informal 'eating' meanings are fully shared and understood in both varieties. There are no significant syntactic or semantic differences.
Connotations
In both, the 'storage' sense can connote neatness, careful planning, or secrecy. The 'eating' sense is equally informal/jocular.
Frequency
The 'storage' sense is moderately common in both. The 'eating' sense is somewhat less frequent but equally informal in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] tuck [NP] away[NP] be tucked away in/under [NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tuck away a tidy sum”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal use in finance/accounting: 'The company has tucked away significant reserves for the economic downturn.'
Academic
Rare; potential use in historical/social contexts describing habits of saving or concealing.
Everyday
Common for discussing storage of items or money, and informal eating.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll tuck these letters away in the desk drawer.
- He can tuck away an impressive amount of roast dinner.
American English
- She tucked her earnings away in a high-yield account.
- Did you see him tuck away that entire pizza?
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Tuck your toys away before bedtime.
- She tucked the old photos away in a box in the attic.
- He tucked away a sandwich before the meeting.
- They've managed to tuck away a substantial amount for their retirement.
- The café is tucked away down a quiet side street.
- The legislation contains several clauses tucked away in the appendix that could have significant implications.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine carefully folding (tucking) a £20 note and hiding it AWAY in a secret compartment of your wallet.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAVING IS HIDING / CONSUMPTION IS QUICK CONCEALMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'to tuck in' (есть с аппетитом) as 'tuck away' focuses on the action being quick/concealed. Do not use 'спрятать' for the eating sense, which is specifically 'быстро/много съесть'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tuck away' in formal writing. Confusing the object placement: *'He tucked in the money away' (incorrect) vs. 'He tucked the money away' (correct).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'tuck away' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is neutral to informal. It is generally unsuitable for highly formal academic or legal writing.
'Tuck away' often implies a more deliberate, careful, or secretive action, or placing something in a snug or less obvious spot. 'Put away' is more general and neutral.
Yes, but usually in a caring context of putting someone to bed comfortably (e.g., 'tuck the children away') or describing a secluded location (e.g., 'a village tucked away in the hills'). It is not used for hiding people in a sinister sense.
Not necessarily negative; it is often humorous or admiring, commenting on the speed or quantity of eating. Context determines the tone.