coil up
To wrap something into a neat circle or spiral, like a rope or a snake does.
Meanings
To wind a rope, cable, hose, or similar flexible object into a neat series of loops.
"After the game, the groundskeeper coiled up the watering hose and stored it in the shed."
(Of a snake or similar creature) to draw its body into a tight spiral, typically as a resting or defensive posture.
"The cobra coiled up and raised its head in warning."
"The snake coiled up among the rocks, perfectly still."
— David Attenborough, The Life of Reptiles (BBC documentary narration, paraphrased)
To curl one's body tightly, often in a small or confined space.
"The cat coiled up on the windowsill and fell asleep in the sun."
Used both transitively ('he coiled up the hose') and intransitively ('the snake coiled up'). Natural and widely understood. Common in descriptions of sailing, gardening, camping, or wildlife.
Commonly used with
Forms
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