1 B2 informal
To reserve a portion of something for later use.
"Save back a cup of the pasta water before you drain it — you might need it for the sauce."
separable
save back
B2 informal separable transitive
To set aside or keep a portion of something for future use.
In plain English
To keep some of something so you can use it later.
What does "save back" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To save something back (keeping it in reserve) — mostly transparent.
Actually means
To keep some of something so you can use it later.
Usage tip
Somewhat regional and informal, more common in American English. Less standard than 'set aside' or 'keep back'. Often used in cooking or budgeting contexts.
Words that pair with "save back"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
portion amount money seed dough batch
How to conjugate "save back"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
save back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
saves back
he/she/it
Past simple
saved back
yesterday
Past participle
saved back
have + pp
-ing form
saving back
continuous
Hear "save back" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "save back" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.