1 B2 idiomatic informal
To save money regularly and carefully, often secretly, for the future.
"Over twenty years, she managed to sock away enough money to retire early."
separable
sock away
B2 informal separable transitive
To save a sum of money, usually secretly or carefully, for future use.
In plain English
To save money and keep it somewhere safe for later.
What does "sock away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To put something aside or store it for later use (extended, non-financial sense).
"He socked away three months of food supplies in the basement."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Historically from putting money in a sock for safekeeping — the figurative meaning is now primary.
Actually means
To save money and keep it somewhere safe for later.
Usage tip
Primarily American English. Often implies saving discreetly or building up savings quietly over time. Mostly used for money, occasionally for other resources.
Words that pair with "sock away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
money savings cash funds earnings profits
How to conjugate "sock away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sock away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
socks away
he/she/it
Past simple
socked away
yesterday
Past participle
socked away
have + pp
-ing form
socking away
continuous
Hear "sock away" in the wild
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Other ways to say "sock away"
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