sign away
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To give up something important (like a right or property) by signing a paper.
Literal meaning: To write your signature and send something away — the act of signing a document that removes your claim.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To give up legal rights or ownership by signing an official document.
"He signed away his rights to the invention without understanding what he was doing."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To formally give up a large or important asset, often carelessly or under pressure.
"She felt she had signed away her future by agreeing to those contract terms."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often carries a connotation of regret or loss — you are giving up something valuable, sometimes without fully realizing the consequences. Common in legal, business, and journalistic contexts. The object (rights, property) is often placed between 'sign' and 'away'.
Commonly used with
rights property inheritance freedom land future
Forms
Base
sign away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
signs away
he/she/it
Past simple
signed away
yesterday
Past participle
signed away
have + pp
-ing form
signing away
continuous
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