salt away
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To save money somewhere safe and secret for later.
Literal meaning: To pack and preserve food using salt — money is 'preserved' for the future.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To save money gradually, especially in a secret or unofficial way.
"Over thirty years, she had salted away enough money to buy a cottage by the sea."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal
To store or put something safely aside for future use.
"He salted away a few bottles of good wine in the cellar for special occasions."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often implies that the savings are hidden, untaxed, or surprisingly large. The metaphor comes from preserving food with salt. Used in British and American English.
Commonly used with
money cash profits earnings fortune savings
Forms
Base
salt away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
salts away
he/she/it
Past simple
salted away
yesterday
Past participle
salted away
have + pp
-ing form
salting away
continuous
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