1 A2 neutral
To fold something into a compact form and store it where it will not be in the way.
"Please fold away the camp beds before the guests arrive."
separable
fold away
A2 neutral separable transitive
To fold something into a compact shape and store it out of the way.
In plain English
Fold something up and put it away so it takes up less space.
What does "fold away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
Of a piece of furniture or equipment, to be designed so that it can be folded into a compact form for storage.
"The dining table folds away neatly into the wall unit when it's not in use."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fold something and place it away — fully transparent.
Actually means
Fold something up and put it away so it takes up less space.
Usage tip
Often used for furniture, maps, clothes, or portable items that are designed to be stored when not in use. Also used as an adjective ('a fold-away bed'). Very common in everyday British and American English.
Words that pair with "fold away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bed table chair map ironing board clothes bicycle
How to conjugate "fold away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fold away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
folds away
he/she/it
Past simple
folded away
yesterday
Past participle
folded away
have + pp
-ing form
folding away
continuous
Hear "fold away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fold away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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