give away
To give something for free, accidentally tell a secret, or walk with a bride to the altar.
Meanings
To give something to someone without charging money for it.
"The bakery gives away leftover bread at the end of each day."
To accidentally reveal a secret, surprise, or piece of information.
"Don't give away the ending — I haven't finished the book yet!"
"Don't give away the game."
— Common idiomatic expression; widely cited in English-language literature and journalism
To escort a bride down the aisle and formally hand her to the groom in a wedding ceremony.
"Her uncle gave her away at the wedding because her father had passed away."
To betray someone or something that was meant to be kept hidden.
"His nervous laugh gave him away — everyone knew he was lying."
Very versatile phrasal verb. The 'reveal a secret' sense is often used with 'the ending,' 'the surprise,' or 'the plot.' In the wedding sense, traditionally the father gives away the bride, though modern ceremonies vary this. Common in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
Forms
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