save back
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To keep some of something so you can use it later.
Literal meaning: To save something back (keeping it in reserve) — mostly transparent.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Somewhat regional and informal, more common in American English. Less standard than 'set aside' or 'keep back'. Often used in cooking or budgeting contexts.
Commonly used with
portion amount money seed dough batch
Forms
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
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